Books for children19 June 2002The Kensington and Chelsea Libraries Service is to give lucky toddlers and their families the chance to take part in the "All Books for Children" scheme, when they visit Brompton Library on Wednesday 26 June 2002. The scheme is a Starbucks Coffee Company and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) UK initiative, to promote reading for pleasure and book ownership amongst children. The programme caters for under fours and participants will take part in an exciting music session provided by Jack in the Box, a local provider of music and songs for toddlers. The youngsters will receive a free book of their choice from a selection of over 50 titles, balloons, duffle bags and stickers. Parents will receive a free booklet designed to help them get the most out of sharing the new book with their toddler. The event will include craft activities, a toy and rhyme time and refreshments, while parents will be able to take a welcome break with refreshments provided by Starbucks partners. The project has been set up by Starbucks Coffee Company and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) UK - a national non-profit organisation that provides books for children to choose and keep through fun-based events. The aims of the initiative are to introduce families to libraries, widen library membership and use, and to create a home reading culture. The early years are a crucial time for establishing the reading habit, hence Starbucks decision to focus on this age group. In a recent report Colin Harrison (Professor of Literacy Studies, Nottingham University) noted that 75 per cent of brain development occurs between birth and the age of two. In addition, a clear link has been found between time spent by parents on reading together with their children at home and children's attainment on first reaching school. Starbucks Coffee Company has made a donation to the national project of £70, 000 for 2002, enabling the initiative to begin in Brompton and 16 other library authorities. As well as the funding, Starbucks partners are encouraged to volunteer on the scheme, whether providing refreshments, performing at events or helping to pre-select books. Councillor Christopher Buckmaster, Cabinet Member for Education, Libraries and Arts said "The Royal Borough is pleased to have this opportunity to work with RIF and Starbucks Coffee Company in order to provide books for fifty toddlers in the Brompton area. Over the next twelve months the children and their families will be invited back to the library for two more fun-packed events where they will be able to add to their book collection by choosing a further free book each time. This is a chance to encourage the Borough's children to read and to use our excellent library facilities to their full potential." For further information please contact Maggie Roche at Brompton Library on 020 7373 3111 Notes for Editors
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