First packs of free books have been delivered to families

THE first in 100 packs of free books have been delivered to families across Ceredigion.

In a new partnership between Ceredigion Council, the Cambrian Rail Partnership and the Books Council of Wales, a selection of six books is being sent to 100 children and young people who receive support services through the local authority.

The packs include reading books for different ages and interests, as well as coloured pencils and a range of activity sheets.

The aim of the Ceredigion Love Reading scheme is to support the health, welfare and development of pupils during the Covid19 period when schools have not been open as usual. It ensures they have easy access to a good selection of titles during the long summer holidays and is a long-term investment in a reading resource.

Councillor Catherine Hughes, cabinet member for Porth Ceredigion, Early Intervention, Wellbeing Hubs and Culture, said: “This is the first scheme of its kind in Ceredigion to support children who are part of our services, in response to the coronavirus crisis.

“We are pleased to be able to work with the Books Council of Wales to select and provide a pack of suitable books for children involved in this scheme over the summer holidays.

“The scheme is an exciting opportunity to support families in challenging times and make valuable reading resources available.”

Helen Jones, head of children’s books and reading promotion at the Books Council of Wales, said: “Research shows that children who own their own books are more likely to become lifelong readers, with all the benefits that brings.

“As a Books Council, we are delighted to be working with Ceredigion Council on this exciting initiative which will bring joy to children across the county during a particularly difficult time.”

Most of the books in the packs have been published in Wales and reflect the best in writing and illustration for readers between the ages of one and 16.