As part of 2022 Our Year, we were excited to take part in Baby Week 2022 in Manchester! There was a full programme of activities and events for expectant-parents, parents, and babies. The launch was held in the city centre at Manchester Art Gallery with a wide range of organisations and partners taking part, all promoting the importance of the early days of a child’s life – and how this period is critical for their lifelong learning, health, and development.
Manchester Libraries had a fantastic stall full of brand-new free books donated by Read Manchester all suitable for babies and toddlers- we want every Manchester baby to have the best start in life and we know that that children who have an early introduction to books and are read to every day, benefit educationally, culturally, socially and emotionally. Staff and volunteers from #ReadMCR also joined in the fun gifting picture books for older siblings and talking to parents about Read Manchester volunteering opportunities. Take a look at how much these babies love their new books!
We held a brilliant interactive musical experience for babies later in the week at Manchester Central Library run by Artful Playground, where lots of Manchester babies took part in two fun sessions full of music, movement, singing, props and smiles! Every baby was gifted a free book and their very own Manchester Library card. Plus we had a very special visitor at the end of the day when the Bookstart Bear arrived to say hello!
Did you know? Most Manchester Libraries hold fantastic weekly Storytimes! These sessions are suitable for pre-school children and are completely free to attend. The sessions will introduce your baby or toddler to stories and rhymes and it’s also a great opportunity to meet other local parents and to find out about other events for you and your little one in the local area. Developing a love of books from an early age will give your child the very best start in life.
Details of library events including Storytimes can be found on Loads To Do.