Children can begin forming a relationship with books long before they learn to read. That is the idea behind “Readers from the Cradle”, the educational programme run by the Children’s Section of the Stelios Ioannou Library at the University of Cyprus, which returns for a second consecutive year.
The first session of the new season will take place on Saturday 31 October 2026 at 10:30 at the Library’s Children’s Section. It is open to babies aged from 4 months to 2.5 years and the adults accompanying them.
What the sessions involve
The programme includes story readings, early literacy activities and creative forms of interaction, adapted to the children’s age and stage of development.
Through storytelling, rhythm, repetition and looking at pictures, babies come into contact with language and the world of books, gradually developing a positive relationship with reading.
The idea behind the programme
The initiative is based on the view that contact with books can begin well before a child learns to read. At this age, the reading experience is mainly linked to listening, observing, communicating and the emotional interaction between the child and the adult reading to them.
The role of parents and carers
Particular emphasis is placed on the participation of parents and carers. Shared reading can become part of everyday family life, supporting both language development and the emotional bond with the child.
Through the programme, the University of Cyprus Library aims to strengthen its educational and social role, offering families opportunities for shared reading experiences and encouraging a love of reading from infancy.
Practical information
- Date: Saturday 31 October 2026
- Time: 10:30
- Venue: Children’s Section, Stelios Ioannou Library, University of Cyprus
- Ages: 4 months to 2.5 years, accompanied by an adult
- Bookings: 22892037
Places are limited and booking is required
The event will be filmed by Alpha Cyprus, and photographs or video may be taken for promotional purposes. According to the organisers, participants will be informed and the necessary consent for the use of images or sound will be obtained.
Source: Parathyro
