THE Western Education and Library Board's (WELB) Castlederg Library launched its 'Play and Learn' Centre on Wednesday, 9 May. Children from St Patrick's Nursery and Edwards Nursery came along to try out this new facility and had a marvellous time playing with the wide range of fun, educational toys, listening to stories and joining in with the rhymes.
One teacher said: "This is a great and novel way of encouraging children to use books alongside toys. I can see it will have great appeal for our children."
A few of the children returned later in the day, to show their parents this new, free place to go. They also borrowed books for the first time. Castlederg's 'Play and Learn' will be open every Wednesday from 10.30am-12.00pm and is open to all children from 0 mths-5 years and their parents and carers.
It was following the huge success of the Strabane Courtyard Play and Learning Centre (in partnership with Strabane SureStart), that the WELB Library Service were successful in their funding bid to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) which has meant that five more of these centres will be opening throughout the WELB area; Castlederg, Fintona, Lisnaskea, Limavady and Shantallow. These are the first of their kind in Northern Ireland and show how far libraries have come in the last few years.
These 'Play and Learn' centres aim to provide an integrated approach to learning through the practical use of toys and books. Most people recognise a child's need to play but may not be aware of how essential that play is to their development.
These centres provide parents and carers with a welcoming, child friendly space where they can come and play and share books with their children.
Facilities being provided will include toys aimed at encouraging language development, art and craft materials, rhyme times and books chosen by experts to support pre-reading skills to enjoy with the children.
Membership and use of the library and 'Play and Learn' facilities are free and the benefits for each child cannot be emphasised enough. Come along and see for yourself.
