Representatives from business, statutory organisations and community groups attended a workshop run by Neil Griffiths, Director of the national Storysacks project. Bury Libraries have placed multicultural picture books for pre-school children in 100 local health centres, clinics, doctors and dental surgeries. Usage is being monitored and there will be visits by librarians to read stories and promote literacy and the library service. St Helens Careers Service in Lancashire has piloted the creation of reading together drop-in centres in the waiting rooms of surgeries. Each centre has been provided with a special bench book box and Waiting to Read leaflets giving guidance to parents and carers on how they can help children with their reading.
Early evaluation is positive and there are plans to visit the centres to offer on the spot advice.