CHILDREN have been celebrating the 100th storytime session at their local library.

The sessions, which run every week at libraries throughout the borough, are a way of introducing children to the magic of books.

They also help to dispel the old, stuffy image of libraries as places where silence reigns and the only word heard is "Sshh!"

Swindon Council library staff in charge of the sessions have been celebrating along with young book fans. Upper Stratton Library was the venue for the 100th storytime, which was attended by an excited group of youngsters.

The scheme is under the overall control of Rebecca Bolton, the borough's children's librarian. She said: "The scheme has worked really well. For each session we have around 15 to 20 children participating.

"They are often familiar faces but we are also seeing lots of new ones.

"At West Swindon, we often see around 35 to 40 children coming to the sessions.

"All the children really enjoy themselves.

"It is an opportunity to meet friends, read books and sing songs and nursery rhymes."