School pupils book in to Glasgow Libraries

More than 1500 school pupils take part in Glasgow Libraries storytelling sessions during Book Week Scotland.

School pupils aged 4-16 have been visiting libraries in their droves this week, taking part in a series of reading, writing and storytelling workshops with acclaimed Scottish authors, to celebrate Book Week Scotland.

Throughout the week young Glaswegians have had the chance to take part in 14 different author-led activities, with well-known faces including Mrs Mash, Gwyneth Rees and Glasgow Makar Jim Carruth visiting schools and libraries city-wide to ignite a love of reading.

And 60 lucky pupils from St Pauls and Scotstoun primary schools even had the chance to meet a star of his very own book series, when Badger the Mystical Mutt popped in to Whiteinch Library to join his co-creators children's authors Lyn McNicol and Laura Jackson for an extra special story time.

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Frank McAveety said: "It's fantastic to see so many young Glaswegians showing such excitement and enthusiasm for books, as reading is one of the most important gifts that we can give our children.

"Not only is reading vital to improving literacy levels but it also opens up a number of opportunities throughout young people's lives.

"By inviting authors and stars such as Badger into our libraries, we hope that our city's youngest residents will be inspired to harness the power of books and explore their own imaginations through the wonder of reading."

Badger the Mystical Mutt, added: "Book Week Scotland is my favourite week of the year. I'm delighted to be at not one but two events in Glasgow this week, and am so excited to be heading to The Mitchell Library on Saturday. I really enjoy bringing stories to life and inspiring children to read not just my own fabulous books but all kinds of magical and exciting stories."

Throughout Book Week Scotland, the national celebration of reading taking place from 21st -27th November, over 1500 children from across Glasgow descended on the city's libraries to watch in awe as children's authors brought much loved stories to life.

Don't worry if you didn't get the chance to meet Badger at Whiteinch Library as he'll be bouncing in to Glasgow's Mitchell Library on Saturday, 26th with his very own show - Badger and the Loch Mess Mystery. Plus, Saturday also sees the return of much-loved children's comic James Campbell who'll be treating Mitchell audiences to his hilarious stand up show. Tickets are priced at £5.

To book tickets or to find out more, please call 0141 353 8000 or visit: www.glasgowlife.org.uk/libraries. A limited number of tickets will also be available at The Mitchell Library on Saturday.  

Of course, it's not just during Book Week Scotland that children are encouraged to find the joy in reading. Young Glaswegians can borrow books from any of Glasgow's 32 community libraries, and the Mitchell Library, by signing up for a free Glasgow Kidz Card at their local library.

Glasgow Libraries have stacks of fun activities and fantastic books on offer to keep Glaswegians young and old reading all year round. To find out more about reading initiatives and activities at your local library, please visit: www.glasgowlife.org.uk/libraries