The West Sussex Library Service can help families celebrate 2022’s National Storytelling Week (Sunday 30th Jan – Sunday 6th Feb), from story-time sessions to online resources.

In-person story-time sessions are being slowly reintroduced in libraries, and will be held during National Storytelling Week on Saturday 29th January and Saturday 5th February at Chichester and Worthing Libraries.

The Chichester Library sessions run from 2.15pm – 2.45pm and are aimed at children aged between 3 and 6 years old. The Worthing Library sessions run from 11am – 11.30am aimed at children under 7 years old. Spaces must be booked in advance online.

Parents and carers can explore the Library Service’s online collection of resources including online story-times and rhymetimes, as well as suggestions of stories, rhymes and authors for all ages of children, including the latest book award winners.

West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, Duncan Crow, said: “Reading opens up a whole new world and really brings families closer together. You only need a few minutes in a day to read a storybook with your child or children, and our Library Service has got lots of resources available to assist.

“It’s never too early to start sharing books with your children – even as babies they will love hearing the sound of your voice and looking at the pictures with you. And don’t forget to visit your local library – they have lots of books for children of all ages to choose from as well, and it’s free to join and borrow books.”

Visit the Book Trust website for tips on reading with children.