Cardiff Council’s St Mellons Hub has won the services of a professional storyteller and award-winning author for a day in a National Libraries Day prize draw.
The prize, sponsored by one of the main library suppliers in the UK, Greswell, means that children at the Hub can expect a visit from storyteller, Neil Griffiths, a former primary head teacher.
He is also the inventor of the multiple award-winning “Storysack”, a collection of themed props, soft toys, activities and parental guides designed to make books fun and encourage children and adults to enjoy reading together.
Neil will be visiting the Hub on 5th May and will be running sessions for children, parents and staff on the day.
Customer service advisor, Gail Jones, who entered the Hub for the draw said: “I was over the moon when we won as having the experience of seeing and listening to a really good storyteller can help bring books to life and spark a love of reading that can bring benefit for years to come.”
The Hub already offers weekly story-time and rhyme-time sessions on Wednesday and Friday afternoons for toddlers, as well as an after school and Saturday session with ‘Play Aloud’ for older children.
Cardiff Council also promotes reading through its Reading Power campaign which engages children and young people, and communicates the message that reading is fun.
Elspeth Morris, Cardiff Council’s Operational Manager for Libraries, said: “The importance of having good reading skills and enjoying books cannot be underestimated. Reading boosts knowledge, understanding and encourages an active imagination.”
“The St Mellons Hub offers a wealth of reading material on all manner of topics and our staff are really looking forward to Neil’s visit to help encourage more youngsters to read.”
