WINSFORD will join libraries from across Cheshire West and Chester to promote reading for fun with a range of fun activities.

National Bookstart Week is an annual celebration of the charity BookTrust’s flagship reading programme to encourage families to have fun reading together, anywhere and anytime.

Councillor Louise Gittins, CWAC cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, said: “We have a range of exciting events planned at libraries across the borough. I hope the weather is kind as many of the events are outdoors, to get children reading when they’re out and about.

“BookStart Week reminds families of the importance of reading for pleasure – even if it’s just for ten minutes a day. Children who read for pleasure are more likely to be happier, healthier and be the best they can be.”

On Thursday, June 7, in Winsford Library at 10.30am, families can meet the Bookstart Bear and take a stroll to the newly refurbished town park for a sneak preview before it officially opens on June 27.

The Bookstart Bear will also be at Northwich Library in the Grozone Community Garden on June 4, for rhymes and stories.

In a first for Cheshire West and Chester libraries, there will also be ‘toy sleepovers’ at several branches, including Wharton, Winsford and Sandiway Library.

Children are invited to bring in a teddy bear or other cuddly toy which will stay overnight at the library. The staff will stage photographs of the toy reading with one another and getting up to various activities throughout the night.

When the children come to collect the toy, they’ll be presented with photos of what toy got up to during their sleepover, a certificate and a recommendation of a book that the toy enjoyed reading during their stay.

The theme of this year’s event is ‘Bird Boogie’ and children who attend any of the events will receive a free copy of the picture book ‘A Busy Day for Birds’ by Lucy Cousins.

Diana Gerald, chief executive of BookTrust, has said that this year’s book is “a fun, playful story that is perfect to share with all the family.”

For more details about events held at the Winsford Library, in High Street, call 01606 275065.