Toddlers in Whitehaven are in for a special treat when Cumbria County Council Library Service introduces its "Tiny Totes" scheme to the Daniel Hay Library.
"Tiny Totes" are the exciting new Story Sacks for toddlers designed to show that sharing books is fun. The scheme will be launched at a joint Surestart and Library Service party held in the Library on Thursday March 24th from 10.30 to 11.30. Parents and children will be there to celebrate Parenting Plus and to get a first look at the "Tiny Totes".
Story Sacks have proved to be a very popular way of introducing children to reading. The brightly coloured drawstring sacks are based on storybooks but also include related games and toys as well as at least one other book offering interesting facts. "Tiny Totes" are similarly themed sacks, Tina Ridley, South Whitehaven Surestart story sack project officer, developed them specifically with toddlers in mind. They include board books and toys that stimulate a child’s interest, but which are robust enough to withstand the hammering little fingers can give them.
The project is a partnership between Cumbria County Council, which manages the scheme, and the Local Area Surestart in South Whitehaven which funds "Tiny Totes" and employs the project worker.
Councillor Roger Bingham, county council spokesman for the library service, said: "Story Sacks have proved very popular with children in Copeland, so extending the scheme to appeal to toddlers is a great way to promote learning. It's very good to see more youngsters getting the chance to enjoy reading."