Children and families are being invited to ‘Look for a Book’ when they’re out and about in the city.
Coventry’s Best Start Family Hubs have joined forces with the National Literacy Trust to find a new and exciting way of getting free early years books to young children.
Each of the eight Hubs has been sent packs of books to try and reach families who may not usually use the Hubs’ services, and show them the joy and benefits of reading to their young children.
From 5 August to 11 September, staff from the Hubs will be placing a total of 300 book packs out in their communities, in places such as parks, playgrounds, GPs’ surgeries, bus stops, and other family-friendly locations.
Each waterproof book pack contains: a free children's book for children aged 0–5; reading tips for parents and carers; information about the Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge; details about the Family Hub Portal; information about the ‘Look for a Book’ initiative; and a QR code to enter a prize draw, with one lucky book finder winning a £50 shopping voucher.
The books will be spread evenly around the city, and there will be helpful clues, with photos and videos of books being hidden on the Hubs’ websites and social media pages.
Cllr Mal Mutton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Reading is such a wonderful activity for families to enjoy. We all have our favourite books from when we were children, and this campaign will help us to pass on that joy to families who might not normally go into their local library or bookshop.
“Our amazing Hubs have been celebrating the National Year of Reading by helping families to discover books, and now there is the added fun of finding them as well when children are out playing or going to the local shops. It’s a great new and fun way to get books into children’s hands.”
Cllr Adbul Salam Khan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Equalities, said: “From spending quality time together, to extending a child’s vocabulary, and helping improve focus and concentration, there are so many benefits associated with reading – and what’s more, it’s a lot of fun, with amazing characters and stories.
“We want as many children and families as possible to be able to enjoy a good book, and the ‘Look for a Book’ scheme will help us to reach even more people and take some great titles right into the heart of our communities.”
The Best Start Family Hubs are welcoming places where children, young people and families of all ages can seek help and support, and experience activities that enable their family to thrive. By collaborating with various services, agencies and teams, the Family Hubs help residents access a wide range of services, providing information, advice, and support tailored to their individual circumstances
They have already been celebrating the National Year of Reading, by setting up cosy book corners in each centre so children and families can discover books together.
You can learn more about the Hubs and find your local centre on the Council website.
Learn more about the National Year of Reading.