A THIRD phase of the popular Books for Babies scheme is launched next week.

After its success in Newton-le-Willows and Chester Lane, St Helens Council's Library Service is aiming the third scheme in the Parr area.

It will be launched on Wednesday, October 6 at Parr Library, Fleet Lane.

Books for Babies is part of a campaign to encourage family literacy and is aimed at introducing books to children at the earliest possible age - and to interest their parents as well.

Health visitors distribute special promotional packs including a book to share when the babies have their health check at the age of seven to nine months.

Chairman of the council's Leisure Committee, Councillor Keith Deakin, commented: "Research clearly shows that children introduced to books in infancy have been better prepared for school and the foundations for literacy more securely laid."

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