THERE is a record number of young children visiting Sandwell’s libraries after a scheme was set up to hand library cards to reception aged youngsters.

Sandwell Council's Booktastic scheme, which began four years ago, gives each reception child a special membership pack, including a membership card, folder and information about the library service.

Reception children at Rowley Hall Primary School were given a taster of the scheme ahead of this year’s official launch on Tuesday, October 31.

The Rowley Regis pupils were treated to a performance from Sandwell library staff, and were read to by Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services, who said: “It's great to see the children at Rowley Hall so enthusiastic about reading.

“There are now more four, five and six-year-olds using Sandwell libraries since our records began and nearly double the number of books being borrowed by children this age.”

Nicola Stanley, headteacher at Rowley Hall Primary, added: “We do lots to encourage a love for reading at Rowley Hall, such as a bedtime reading week, dad's reading workshops, visits from the mobile library and run a lunchtime story club.

“We loved our visit from Cllr Hackett as it reinforced our belief that all children should have access to quality books.

“Our children thoroughly enjoyed the performance from the library staff, where they brought to life a well-known story.”

In the last school year, nearly 12,000 books were issued as part of the Booktastic scheme to the borough’s four to six-year-olds.