On track for storytime
Pupils across the town are getting on board with the bicentenary of the Stockton & Darlington railway thanks to a special gift from Darlington library.
The library is giving every Year 3 pupil in town, a special edition copy of the book Little Loco's Big Day, by local author, Caroline Hardie.
In June, the libraries team will be visiting primary schools to present the books, enjoy storytelling and show a screening of a special film to enthuse children about the town's heritage, the upcoming rail celebrations, and inspire them to become the bold, enterprising innovators of the future.
The film shows pupils from five schools reading the story. It will also be shared on YouTube and social media to reach as many children and families as possible to create a lasting legacy and to inspire them to pick up a book.
Suzy Hill, library manager, said: “The project is targeted at young readers aged seven and eight, who were at a crucial stage of development when they were heavily disadvantaged during the pandemic, missing out on opportunities to develop speech, language and social skills.
“The project will re-engage these young readers, provide a shared experience from school to school, and showcase peer-to-peer role modelling of storytelling.
“Our aims are to increase reading for enjoyment and increase understanding of the railway heritage in Darlington, inspiring children to strive for and achieve their own individual ambitions.”
Libby McCollom, cabinet member for resources, said: “This year marks 200 years since Darlington was placed firmly on the map as the birthplace of the passenger railway and I am delighted that the library is using this opportunity to engage more young readers.
“This book is a great way to encourage children to read and for families to learn more about the town’s history and engineering of the future.”
The project, managed and delivered by Darlington Libraries, has been funded by Libraries Connected and Arts Council England.
Photo from left: Toni Sedgwick, audience development manager; Lucy Kingsley, audience development assistant, Suzy Hill ,library manager and Caroline Hardie, author of Little Loco's Big Day