Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Carmarthenshire Libraries, in collaboration with Ziptales, has reached nearly 5,000 children throughout the county during September alone. Why not encourage your children to foster the joy of books through Ziptales by reading at home as the stories are fun and interactive? As well as being fun, it is an invaluable educational resource fulfilling a variety of children’s needs which is linked to the UK National Curriculum, aimed at children between the ages of four and 13. It is very simple to use and a safe online environment for children to explore – they can log in simply by using their library membership card to experience the exciting and fun interactive modules. Ziptales can be used right away by logging in with a library card, at home or the library. Why don’t you pop down to your nearest library to find out more? Library Services Manager Mark Jewell said: “Promoting a love of reading can also encourage children to desire borrowing and reading books from the library.” Executive...

Children enjoyed spooky stories at one of Llanelli Library’s Halloween events. The storytime and crafts session for under-fives was one of the free activities taking place at the library in Vaughan Street throughout this week. Tomorrow (Thursday) there will be an active storytime session for under-eights, taking place from 10.30am to 11.30am. On Friday, October 31, there will be a HalloWii-n challenge, youngsters aged over five are invited to go along in fancy dress and scare staff with their Wii skills! Also during that day, from 10am to 4pm, there will be a Hair-Raising Halloween crafts session for children under 10. All activities are free, children need to be accompanied by an adult during the sessions. Carmarthenshire’s executive board member for cultural services Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “There’s all sorts of spooky fun going on at Llanelli Children’s Library during this half term week. “We welcome children and families to come along and join in the activities, they may also ...

Darth Vadar, Luke Skywalker, Obi Wan Kinobi and Princess Leia will be on the menu at Carmarthen Library this weekend. To mark Star Wars Reads Day, the library is inviting all fans of the science fiction space based phenomena to come along and join in the fun. As well as books based on the famous films, would-be Jedis can test their powers with quizzes, and bookmark making. Youngsters will also be challenged to come up with the best Star Wars-related LEGO creation. For the more mature Star Wars fans we have a couple of trivia quizzes which will show who has the power. 'Yoda' be mad to miss it! For further info call 01267 224824

Children across Carmarthenshire are enjoying books due to the success of the county’s Bookstart scheme. Libraries have given out 100 per cent of the packs gifted to them through the initiative which aims to promote enjoyment of reading and books for toddlers and young children. The scheme is funded by the Welsh Assembly, and is a partnership between libraries, health and education, and is delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council, the Hywel Dda Health Board and other local partners. A Bookstart spokesman said: “Many congratulations to Carmarthenshire on the percentage reach of the Bookstart packs. “To gift 100 per cent of both packs to families in the county is an amazing achievement!” Baby and Early Years Bookstart packs are available from the area libraries at Ammanford, Llanelli and Carmarthen, and some of the larger branch libraries. Education executive board member Cllr Gwynne Wooldridge said: “Thanks to our staff for making this scheme such a success in Carmarthenshire. “It is ...