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The Schools Library Service has joined a programme to encourage children to get their heads in books out of school hours.
It is hoped the programme will create a culture of reading by encouraging the targeted age bracket of years three to six children to read more widely, discuss literature in groups, recommend books to each other, and look at different creative responses to reading. Another key aspect of the initiative is to arrange library membership for year three pupils, to ensure children have access to books and other library services.
The service will also provide training to enable school staff, and also student teachers and parent volunteers, to hold Chatterbooks sessions in after-school clubs and there will also be a series of author events and visits to local libraries, promoting the benefits of regular reading to schoolchildren.

Contact Schools Library Service on 01744 677806 for more information.

BASH (Book Awards St Helens) is the annual book award scheme run by St Helens Schools Library Service, where children and young people are encouraged to read the latest, modern and enticing fiction, written specially for them. Through a series of library based workshops, and by debate and critical appreciation, the pupils vote for their favourite book and choose a winner.

Each year there is a special BASH celebration event at a Library, when the winning title is announced by a prominent children’s author. Previous BASH authors coming to St Helens include Marcus Sedgewick, Paula Rawsthorne, Guy Bass, Ed Hogan, plus via video link David Walliams! This is a fantastic opportunity for children and young people to meet some of their favourite authors, helping them develop a love of reading.

BASH for little ones aged 5+

• To encourage reading for pleasure
• To develop and support language, literacy and communication skills
• To demonstrate how books can be engaging and fun for young children
• To encourage use of school and public libraries
• Involving children in decision making - children will select a winner from a shortlist.

BASH for children age 9+

• To encourage reading for pleasure by introducing a variety of current children’s fiction
• To develop the habit of reading widely
• To enthuse children in the enjoyment of reading
• To encourage use of school and public libraries
• Involving children in decision making - children will select a winner from a shortlist.

BASH for young people aged 11+

• To encourage reading for pleasure
• To encourage debate and critical appreciation of stories
• To encourage use of school libraries and public libraries
• Involving young people in decision making – they will choose the shortlist and select a winner
• Encourage cross-school interaction and collaboration.

For more information please contact : Schools Library Service 01744 677806

BLUSH is a partnership between Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, St Helens Paediatric Speech and Language Team and St Helens Libraries, Schools Library Service offering high quality reading resources to support speech, language and literacy development in your school.