These sessions are open to all children and their families. We have seen that the children learn quickly and remember the key signs. Claire Stemp, project worker at Barnardo's, says, "All children love stories and by signing the key words or adding props it enhances story sessions, making them far more inclusive. The story sessions with the library service are well attended, very rewarding and enjoyable."

As a result of working in partnership with Barnardo's, we were invited to take part at the 'Inclusive Arts' day at the Eden Project.

We set up a stand with a selection of books on a table and all over the floor: board books for babies, picture books and books for young adults. We had Quick Reads for the adults, taken from the BBC RaW campaign, as the day was all about inclusion. We also gave some books away to interested customers.

Thirty families were invited to Eden and a high proportion of them visited our 'Library corner'. The day at Eden was a creative day with artists, actors and a musician. Story time was part of that entertainment, using signs and puppets to enable all the children and their families to enjoy the story together.

Throughout the day I sat reading and laughing with children, parents and grandparents. I also learnt a couple of circus tricks! A young man read a book by Nick Sharratt out loud to me and was giggling as he turned the pages. A girl of about five came along with her older brother, and taught me some 'signs' that she uses every day to communicate with him.

A partially-sighted granddad found he could read a story to his granddaughter as the children's book had large print: it was the first book he'd ever read aloud to her.

The day certainly proved to me the invaluable contribution that libraries can make in empowering family learning. What a wonderful experience it was too!

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