Where: Morden Library
Date: Friday 9 November
Time: 10.00-11.00am – 1.00-2.15pm
Who: Merton Park Nursery will be visiting Morden Library as part of the national Bookstart Programme, the national campaign to encourage parents and carers to instil in children a love of reading.

Children from Merton Park Nursery will arrive at Morden Library on Friday dressed as their favourite fairytale character ready to hear stories and get creative, making decorations and sweets.

Part of the national Bookstart Programme, the children will be given their own “treasure chest” full of colouring books, pencils, stickers and storybooks. Ist, 2nd and 3rd prizes will be awarded to the children in the best costumes.

As the event falls on the 9 November, it will recognise Diwali, the Hindu festival of light. The children will make special sweets for the occasion and design their own Rangoli* patterns.

ENDS

Notes to editors

There will be two opportunities to take photographs at 11am and 1pm.

Bookstart is the national programme that encourages all parents and carers to enjoy books with children from as early as age as possible. Working through local organisations such as mother and toddler groups and healthcare clinics, Bookstart gives the gift of free books to children at three months, 18 months and three years, along with guidance materials for parents and carers. The programme is run by Booktrust, an independent national charity that encourages people of all ages and cultures to discover and enjoy reading.

Traditionally, Rangoli is the art of drawing images and figures on the floor and walls of one’s home. It has been a tradition in India to draw Rangoli to mark festivals and other auspicious occasions as it is considered a holy ritual.