From 29th January to the 5th February, Libraries NI is holding free storytelling events in selected libraries throughout Northern Ireland to celebrate National Storytelling Week.

The events are aimed at families with children aged 4 – 8 and are structured in a way that encourages parents and carers to bond with their children whilst listening to a story.

Now in its eleventh year, National Storytelling Week is organised by the Society for Storytelling and is aimed at encouraging all areas of the community to take part in creating and enjoying storytelling.

Kim Aiken, Learning Development Manager with Libraries NI said:

“Libraries NI is keen to support the work of the Society for Storytelling by holding events to celebrate National Storytelling Week 2011.

"Listening to stories and enjoying the act of sharing books together is vital if children are to develop a lifelong love of reading.  Shared storytelling sessions with children help to develop new vocabulary, improve concentration and provides the adult with an opportunity to teach children about the world around them. Recent research shows that children who are exposed to books and storytelling at an early age increase their potential for lifelong success.

"We encourage families to come along and enjoy these free sessions in a fun and relaxed environment.”

Libraries NI run regular storytimes in libraries throughout Northern Ireland.