Youngsters under five years old are being challenged to check out their Wokingham Borough library and collect a limited edition certificate. 

The Little Explorers Book Club, designed to get under fives and their families to make the most of their library, is launching next month (March 9) at all Wokingham Borough libraries with the start of a special challenge. The Little Explorers Library Challenge was created in conjunction with local illustrator Cathy MacLennan who has created unique monkey images for certificates, collector’s cards and posters. 

To take part each child needs to have their own library card. They will collect a stamp each time they borrow some books from the library. Six stamps entitle the child to one special edition certificate and there are six different certificates to collect. 

The challenge launches with a special storytime session at every Wokingham Borough library. Cathy MacLennan will attend a number of the sessions to talk about her involvement and how she created the illustrations and a craft session will be open to children under 5 years old and their families. See the list below for details. 

Richard Alexander, head of libraries for Wokingham Borough Council, said: "We know learning to read is a hugely important part of a child's development, and libraries are uniquely placed to support this. We are really pleased to have been able to work with a popular children's illustrator and author from within our own community to develop this scheme, which we hope will encourage parents to explore what opportunities we can offer their children." 

Cathy MacLennan will attend the following events on Friday March 9: 

• Lower Earley Library 9.30am to 10am (0118) 931 2150
• Finchampstead Library 10.30am to 11am (0118) 908 8176
• Wokingham Library 11.30am to 12noon (0118) 978 1368
• Twyford Library 2.15pm to 2.45pm (0118) 934 0800

Other launch events are as follows: 

Friday March 9, 2012

• Winnersh Library10.15am to 10.45am (0118) 979 7519
• Woodley Library11.30am to 12noon (0118) 969 0304
• Maiden Erlegh Library 1.30pm to 2pm (0118) 966 6630 

Saturday March 10, 2012

• Arborfield Library 9.30am to 10am 0780 166 4520
• Spencers Wood Library 10.30am to 11am (0118) 988 4771
• Wargrave Library11.30am to 12noon (0118) 940 4656