THE Western Education and Library Board's (WELB) Strabane Community Library in partnership with Strabane SureStart recently celebrated 'National Bookstart Day' and 'Parenting Week', in The Courtyard Play and Learning Centre with a special Rhyme Time.

WELB Early Years librarian, Mary Jo Curran, along with special guest 'Bold Billy' entertained the children with rhymes and songs, followed by the announcement of the 'Name the Bear Competition' winner. Parents and children were asked to name the Courtyard Bear who was created and donated to the centre by 'Hot Rock Studios', specialists in polystyrene models and props. The Bear, who has become a much loved addition to the Courtyard, has been named 'Barnaby' by the winning entrant Frank Duffy.

'Turning Lives Around', the theme of parenting week, encourages parents and carers to read books with young children. It is a known fact that young children who share books with adults learn about 70 new words a week, helping to improve speech and language, increase confidence and self esteem whilst providing children with the necessary skills needed for starting school. Truly a way to 'Turn Lives Around'.

Mary Jo Curran, WELB Early Years Librarian said: "Like everything else about the Courtyard, the 'Name the Bear' competition, has been both fun and productive. We felt giving him a name would encourage children to further identify the library as a fun, welcoming place. Thanks to the partnership with Strabane SureStart, the Courtyard has come to the fore as one of the leading venues for young children, parents and carers."