It’s Bookbug Week (12-18 May) and High Life Highland libraries are celebrating with the introduction of new Makaton sessions at some venues, as well as a new bedtime Bookbug session!
Makaton uses signs and symbols to help people communicate and is designed to support the development of spoken language. Makaton is the UK’s leading language programme, with over 100,000 children and adults using Makaton symbols and signs, either as their main method of communication, or as a way to support speech and speech development.
‘Bookbug’s Big Bedtime’ is the theme of this year’s Bookbug Week and at Culloden Library, they are not only launching a monthly bedtime Bookbug session (from 13 May 6.30-7pm), but these new sessions will also be delivered using Makaton.
Fort William and Inverness Libraries are also introducing Makaton to their Bookbug sessions and Bookbug at the Victorian Market in Inverness also features Makaton.
Head of Libraries at High Life Highland, Julie Corcoran said: “We love the buzz of Bookbug Week across all our libraries and are delighted to be introducing new elements such as Makaton to ensure we are reaching as wide an audience as possible and we hope to introduce more Makaton Bookbug sessions in the future.
“This year’s theme for Bookbug Week – a national initiative designed to encourage new families to come along and get involved – is Bookbug’s Big Bedtime, so it’s all about a dreamy night-time book, lullabies and special time spent together. So, we are particularly pleased that during Bookbug Week, Culloden Library is launching its dedicated monthly Makaton bedtime story sessions.
“And of course, there’s all our regular Bookbug sessions across the library service that families have come to enjoy throughout the year.”
During Bookbug Week, High Life Highland library staff and Bookbug leaders will be sharing songs, stories and rhymes to capture and celebrate the calm and cosy routine of bedtime with sessions planned to offer an oasis of calm in a fast-paced world filled with screens and distractions.
Bookbug is aimed at little ones age 0-5 years. To find your nearest Bookbug session visit the Libraries section on the High Life Highland website: www.highlifehighland.com/libraries/bookbug/ ; check with your local library Facebook page or use the Bookbug App.
All events are free but booking may be required at some locations due to limited space. Please check beforehand.
