CHILDREN are being encouraged to read more in a scheme launched this week and run by local libraries. It is free and is open to all youngsters under five. To take part children can pick up a collectors card from any Hertfordshire library. They then collec

CHILDREN are being encouraged to read more in a scheme launched this week and run by local libraries.

It is free and is open to all youngsters under five.

To take part children can pick up a collectors card from any Hertfordshire library. They then collect a sticker for each visit they make to the library and after they've been five times they receive a certificate.

There are five different certificates to collect, each of which has been designed by a top children's illustrator.

The Bookstart Book Crawl is designed to encourage parents to enrol their younger children at libraries.

So far more than 250 children have taken part and 55 children have joined the library as a result of the promotion.

Letchworth GC county councillor Keith Emsall, executive member for community safety said: "Sharing stories and rhymes together is fun for all the family and will help your child to develop a lifelong love of books.