County Library, Barry celebrated this year’s National Bookstart Week with a special transport-themed event.

Children and parents were invited to attend the ‘All Aboard’ day on Monday 6 June where they had the opportunity to meet local firemen and the Bookstart Bear. Local author, Michelle McKenna, took part in story reading sessions and also signed copies of her latest book, The Diddy Tree.

Bookstart is a national initiative that supports parents so that they can enjoy reading with their children from an early age. It provides free books and gives families the opportunity to get together at vibrant community events.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council supports National Bookstart Week every year with events at libraries across the Vale. Children’s librarian, Gillian Southby, said, “Children are never too young to be introduced to books and the joys of reading - and this initiative gives them a great head start. The fire engine was a really popular draw and I think the Bookstart Bear received just as many hugs from the grown-ups as he did the kids!”