Keighley library has staged various events as part of National Children's Book Week.

With staff donning fancy dress, children have found favourite characters from books and nursery rhymes behind the library counter.

Organiser Mary Hatcher said White Rabbit, from Alice in Wonderland, and Cinderella were among the characters hosting special activities.

"We're friendly people, and we want people to drop in, say hello and see what we've got for them," she said.

Bradford council's executive member for the environment, Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, says: "We're very pleased to support Book Week, which aims to promote reading. We also want to show people that libraries are colourful, stimulating places where children especially can benefit from the many resources on offer."

An exhibition in the Junior Library featured Bookstart, a scheme -- sponsored by Sainsbury's -- to get young childrem interested in books, which has been running in Keighley for the last year.

A demonstration of activities, toys, games and books which can help children develop was given by Helen Parker, co-ordinator of the Keighley Books for Babies scheme.

An advice session was held to offer people a chance to chat to specialists from speech therapy, the Pre-school Playgroup Alliance and Childcare Information Centre.

Schools have also taken part in special sessions during the week. Braithwaite Special School was given a taste of activities designed for special needs children.

And National Poetry Day was marked with a visit from local poet Gerard Benson, who led a session covering his own work with children from St Anne's Catholic Primary School, which was designed to encourage children to find fun in poetry.

Library staff were hosting a similar session with children from St Andrew's C of E primary school and nursery.

During Family Learning Day yesterday there was a chance to discover what is on offer at the library, including free Internet access, help with homework using the reference library, videos and CDs to rent throughout the week at a small charge, and help with tracing your family tree.

For further information about the events taking place today and tomorrow contact Helen Parker on 01535 618222, Mary Hatcher on 01535 618219 or Sharon O'Connor on 01535 618210.