Story bags at Okehampton Library

Friends of Okehampton Library have successfully secured a £500 grant from the local county councillor's Locality Budget to fund story bags for families. Staff have been able to purchase enough books, puppets and wooden characters to put together 18 story bags, available for loan to families in the community.  

Families have been missing their weekly story time sessions in the library, a time when staff read to the children and include props and story sacks to enhance the experience.  Unfortunately, due to social distancing measures, this valuable activity is not currently available.      

Reading together helps to develop many skills including listening, language, communication, empathy, and reading, while also helping to build bonds between adult and child.  

Using props with stories brings the story to life and helps to improve a child’s imagination and ability to make and tell stories of their own, in addition to developing social and emotional skills. For these reasons, staff at Okehampton Library were keen to find a way to help local families enjoy story time at home.  

Each story bag contains a picture book and either puppets or wooden characters, plus hints and tips on reading with your child.  Contact Okehampton Library on 01837 52805 for the list of story bags available for loan.