Ashby Library will form part of the first Wriggly Readers Festival next month.

Inspired by the libraries' regular story and rhyme sessions, Wriggly Readers, the new festival will be across the 16 county council-run libraries - and will provide learning and entertainment for families with babies and children under five. 

The free festival runs from 1 October to 31 October and will showcase the very best of books, resources and fun activities suitable for toddlers. 

On October 10, Ashby Library hosts AMC School of Dance: Room on the Broom Dance and Movement at 2.30pm.

A wide-ranging early years' offer is available for parents and carers to get involved in a variety of ways, including:

• Weekly story and rhyme sessions for under fives - Wriggly Readers
• Regular events and activities for little ones such as Construction Club and Stay and Play sessions
• Boromi's Pop-in Play Libraries
• BookTrust Storytime Prize
• Help at Hand Collection – a curated selection of books that help parents/carers discuss with young children new topics and experiences such as starting school, dealing with emotions, and potty training 

Competitions will also be held with books and vouchers up for grabs throughout the festival.

Councillor Christine Radford, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for libraries, said: "I'm really excited that we're offering this festival. 

"We know how important reading is for children This an exciting new way to encourage children to get involved with reading in a fun and exciting way.

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"There's so much on offer during the festival suitable for all children under the age of five. We want to help the development for love of books from an early age, as well as help children develop essential skills."

Special events will feature as part of the festival in eight of the Leicestershire libraries. 

These events are specifically funded by Arts Council England as part of Culture Leicestershire's National Portfolio Organisation programme of activity and, as well Ashby, include:

• Ruth Boodhoo's Step Inside a Bear Hunt: Earl Shilton (4th October, 10.30am), Loughborough (15th October, 10.30am)
•  Whistle-Tot Lane: Once Upon a Whistle-Tot: Syston (8th October, 10am), Wigston (2nd October, 2pm)
•  Insecta Collective's Edible Nature Print making workshop: Glenfield (30th October, 10.30am), Hinckley (28th October, 10.30am)
• AMC School of Dance: Room on the Broom Dance and Movement: Ashby (10th October, 2.30pm), Lutterworth (17th October, 11am)  , Lutterworth (17th October, 11am) 

For more information on the festival and how to get involved in events, click HERE.