New play project at libraries rolled out

"Pop-in Play Libraries" are now available in 16 libraries across Leicestershire, and are free for families and young children

A scheme offering free play support for families and young children in Leicestershire has been rolled out.

Sixteen libraries are now hosting the Pop-in Play Library project, run by not-for-profit organisation Boromi, with the original pilot funded by a Leicestershire County Council grant.

Boromi said families could choose a "play bag to explore together", which explore the firm's "play principles".

After a pilot within Coalville, Hinckley and Market Harborough libraries in 2022, the scheme is now available for the first time across the county.

CEO Evie Keough came up with the idea for Boromi while working as an early years primary teacher

Evie Keough, CEO of Boromi - which is based in Market Harborough - said: "Being born and bred in Leicestershire, I'm thrilled that this will be the first county that our new Pop-in Play Libraries will be available for families to enjoy, as we look towards a national rollout this July."

Ms Keough added play was "the rocket fuel for a child's development" and that she hoped to reach "as many families as possible" nationwide with the scheme.

The play bags are borrowed and used in libraries, but people cannot take them home, hence the "pop-in" name.

Kate Lister, library resources manager at Leicestershire Libraries, said: "Nurturing a child's development in language and communication skills during the early years of their life is a key priority for both the library service and family hubs, and these new Pop-in Play Libraries provide the perfect resource to support this informal learning agenda."

The scheme is available at the following libraries, during opening hours: Ashby de la Zouch, Birstall, Blaby, Coalville, Earl Shilton, Glenfield, Hinckley, Loughborough, Lutterworth, Market Harborough, Melton Mowbray, Oadby, Shepshed, Syston and Wigston.

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