LIBRARIES across the county are helping families with the very youngest children discover their heroes during National Bookstart Week.

Bookstart is a national scheme for pre-school children aiming to help families discover the fun and excitement of sharing books together.

This year’s fun theme is ‘My Hero’ and from Monday 9th June until Sunday 15th June, there will be free events around the country for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their families.

Venues such as libraries, children’s centres and bookshops have Bookstart resources, including story booklets to be given away.

Bookstart Bear will be making a special appearance at Gloucester Library on Tuesday 10th June and at Hesters Way Library, Cheltenham on Saturday 21st June.

Dorcas Binns, Cabinet member for libraries said, “Throughout National Bookstart Week we’ll be encouraging parents and children to read together on a daily basis.

The events, activities and resources will help families to see the benefits of reading together every day, while engaging them with the fun theme of ‘My Hero’.”

From superheroes and story characters to parents and nurses, a child’s hero could be anyone and this week will help children celebrate them.

This year’s story book is Super Duck by Jez Alborough and parents are encouraged to take their children down to their local library to join in the fun.

To find activities in your area visit: http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraryevents

To find out more about Bookstart visit: http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/bookstart-list