“Right to Read” is a new approach designed to embed the development of literacy into the lives of communities via the local government system. It will bring benefits to those who provide the services as well as to those who use them
RIGHT TO READ
Improving literacy standards is a national priority under The Programme for Government.
Launched as part of the Opportunities for All national Library Strategy, Right to Read currently includes four national programmes designed to promote children’s reading and literacy;
Spring into Storytime – Storytelling sessions during the month of April
Summer Stars – Summer Reading programme
Children’s Book Festival – Events during the month of October
Family Time at Your Library – Family events during the month of December
The Right to Read Award 2020
The Right to Read Award 2020 was awarded to Sligo Libraries by the Department of Community & Rural Development in recognition of the implementation of a core programme of Right to Read literacy support services for 2020, co-ordinated by the public library service and delivered with the support of the Right to Read Network of local partners
The COVID-19 pandemic meant all events moved online for the 4 elements of the programme. Events were delivered via Zoom and across our social media platforms.
This resulted in great engagement with families, and children continued to enjoy Sligo Library services throughout 2020.
Reading was encouraged with Contact and Collect and counter service available during some phases of restrictions, as well as Borrowbox eBooks and eAudiobooks available throughout the year. Events and competitions ran online, with 46 prizes awarded.
Reading with Your Young Child
Reading with your young child, a story at bedtime or a story for toddler while you feed the baby, is an important start in your child’s literacy journey. Sligo Libraries free guide Reading with your Child will help form the habit of reading with your young child and is available from Sligo Libraries or can be accessed here
Parents of babies and young children are encouraged to join Sligo Libraries. Membership is free and available online. Our popular My First Library Card is available from all of our branches.
There are no longer fines for the late return of books making Sligo Libraries a free, family friendly service. Follow us on social media and check our website for up to date information on events for children.
Little Library Book Bags
Sligo Libraries are delighted to roll out the Little Library Book Bags initiative to Early Learning Centres throughout County Sligo. Little Library Book Bags are funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion and Youth and the Department of Rural and Community Development, to build on the relationships between the Early Learning and Care Centres and Public Libraries as part of the First 5 Government Strategy for babies and children, and the Public Libraries Right to Read programme.
Each Little Library Book Bag contains five books, one in Irish and four in English as well as a number of other useful resources. Young children are enjoying these books during story time at their crèche/pre-school or registered childminder.
Parents of young children can borrow a Little Library Book Bag from any of our branch libraries in addition to the wonderful selection of children’s books always available.
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