SOME of Glasgow's most disadvantaged primary pupils are getting their reading up to speed thanks to a city book scheme.

More than 500 five-year-olds from the south side have visited the Mitchell Library for a storytelling session with children's author Simon Puttock.

Youngster's from Dunard and St Monica’s primary schools - all part of Glasgow’s Every Child a Library member pilot project, which aims to give all children a library card in P1 – were treated to an afternoon of fun.

Councillor Archie Graham, chairman of Glasgow Life, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many young Glaswegians showing such excitement and enthusiasm for books, as reading is one of the most important gifts that we can give our children.

“Through the Every Child a Library Member scheme here in Glasgow we hope to continue to support children and young people to love their library, with the hope that they will become active library users, benefitting our citizens in many wonderful ways throughout the whole of their life.”

“Not only is reading vital to improving literacy levels but it also opens up a number of opportunities throughout young people’s lives and I look forward to encouraging young Glaswegians to fall in love with books through their local library service.”

Throughout Book Week Scotland, November 23 to 29, more than 500 children have descended on The Mitchell to watch as children’s authors bring much loved stories to life.

But the magic of story-telling doesn’t end when the children leave the library.

As part of Book Week Scotland 2015, Scottish Book Trust is gifting three free picture books to every P1 child in Scotland, through the Bookbug scheme.

The books, all by Scottish authors or illustrators, comprise the Bookbug shortlist for the Scottish Children's Book Awards 2016 and alongside Simon’s book Mouse's First Night at Moonlight School.

Marc Lambert, Chief Executive Officer of The Scottish Book Trust, added: “It’s fantastic to see Glasgow Life using the occasion of Book Week Scotland to draw attention to some truly important developments in services to their city, in terms of literacy, education and democratic access to the treasures its libraries hold.

“What has been done with the Every Child a Library Member scheme, within the new Vision for Glasgow Libraries that has been developed out of a wide process of community consultation, is an absolute model of its kind. Both aspects will ensure that Glaswegians are well served by their city for many years to come.”