St Mary's Girls PS celebrated the opening of thier newly refurbished and restocked library with a 'Booktime event'.

The event involved Primary one and two and they were each presented with a 'booktime' pack which included a book and advice for parent's on the importance of reading.

The class teachers were available to offer advice to those parent's in attendiance about the value of reading with their child and stressed that although it does take some time and effort, even a few minutes on a regular basis can make all the difference.

Elizabeth McAleer Extened Schools Librarian for the Strabane area, works with St Marys Girls PS every Monday, the children are taught library and information handling skills, all of which will prove invaluable to them as they progress through their academic lives.

Elizabeth McAleer said, "The staff of St Marys Girls should be commended on their determination to instill a love of reading and a respect for books within their school. Their library is inviting and well stocked and affords every child the opportunity to avail of the new resources and enjoy the whole Reading Experience.

"Children that are familiar with their school library are more likely to use thier community library and that is what we, at the WELB schools library service are all about. We would encourage all school children to join their local library and would emphasise the fact that the service is FREE and available to everyone.

"The libraries within the school walls and those out in the community, compliment each other in the sole purpose of promoting of reading and information literacy.