Story Makers marks a decade of interactive storytelling fun

Popular storytelling sessions are returning to Tameside libraries to help children learn that ‘It’s Okay to Be Me’.

Tameside Council is encouraging families to come along to the free, interactive, Story Maker sessions with Simon the Storyteller, funded by the council’s Community Safety Partnership.

The sessions, starting Tuesday 6 October, will focus on different emotions and building childhood resilience through children's stories.

This year, the programme will include a reward scheme where children can collect stamps for attending sessions and borrowing books from Tameside libraries. Once they have collected six stamps, they will receive a certificate. Up to five different certificates can be collected throughout the programme.

Families will also have the opportunity to get involved in creating a published children's picture book with author Caryl Hart and illustrator Andy Rowland. Families who take part will receive a signed copy at the book launch next year.

To mark the 10th anniversary of Story Makers, there will also be a trail at Portland Basin featuring characters from all the previous Story Maker books. Further details will be announced closer to the time.

The Story Maker sessions are suitable for children up to four years-old and their families.

Session locations and times:

• Tuesdays - 10am-10.45am- Hattersley Library (no booking required)
• Tuesdays- 1.30pm- 2.15pm- Droylsden Library (no booking required)
• Wednesdays - 10am-10.30am- online session (booking required) email book.start@tameside.gov.uk or call 0161 342 3443
• Wednesday -1.30pm-2.15pm- Dukinfield Library (no booking required)

Tameside Council Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture Cllr Leanne Feeley said: “We are delighted to be bringing back another programme of Story Makers sessions. These sessions are incredibly popular with local families, as shown by this year marking their 10th anniversary!

“Story Makers plays a fantastic role in supporting children's development, and this time the theme will help them to understand, express and manage their emotions in a fun and engaging way. So please do get involved at your local library and join in the fun.”