Schoolchildren Get Free Books Under New Scheme

12.39.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 21st Oct 2007

Schoolchildren are to receive a boost to their reading thanks to a free book scheme designed to encourage parents and carers to read aloud to children.

The Booktime project was launched at the beginning of October to provide every child in a reception class throughout the Borough with a free book.

Each child receives a book pack to take home, consisting of:

o a blue nylon drawstring bag

o the illustrated book 'Funnybones'

o a parents' guide on shared reading.

Along with the Booktime pack, each child will be given leaflets about Milton Keynes Council's library service and how to join and borrow books to encourage further reading for pleasure.

Council leader Liberal Democrat councillor Isobel McCall, who launched the initiative at Queen Eleanor School in Galley Hill said: "This is an important day and a chance to celebrate some good things. One of the good things is that schools and libraries are supporting each other to help children and families have fun and learn together through the joy of reading."

During the October half term libraries ran storytime/activity sessions linked to the Funnybones book to support the Booktime project.