LIBRARIES in Wiltshire are supporting the launch of the National Year of Reading with a range of events over the next few weeks.

The Wiltshire County Council run libraries are organising a range of events throughout the next eight months that highlight the role reading plays in opening doors for people.

The national campaign aims to encourage people to get the most out of reading in all forms, whether this is books, newspapers, magazines, blogs, text messages, film scripts or comics.

Ahead of the Wiltshire launch in May, libraries are holding a range of taster events this month encouraging people to "love reading, love libraries".

  • At Calne library there will be a Day of Daleks on April 19 between 10am and 12pm and again between 1pm and 3pm.

There will be replica Daleks, a Cyberman, K9 and a Tardis. Children and adults are invited to take part in a fancy dress competition with a prize going to the best dressed person for each session.

In the run up to the event there is a children's "decorate a Dalek" colouring competition and a Doctor Who family quiz.

Competition entries are available free from the library and entries must be returned by April 18 at 5pm.

The day is free and no ticket is needed to meet the characters or participate in any of the competitions.

  • Chippenham library is holding a 'Pirate Extravaganza for Dads and Kids' with the Barefoot Storyteller - to include story, drama, songs and crafts on April 12, between 10.30am and 12pm.Tickets are free but places limited. For children aged under eight. The staff will be in costume and there will be a treasure trail.

On the afternoon of April 12 a mobile library van will be parked on Chippenham High Street opposite Starbucks between 2pm and 3.30pm doing badge-making, balloons and carrying on the pirate theme with staff in costume.

  • Corsham library is holding the same Pirate Extravaganza as Chippenham on April 26 between 10.30pm and 12pm.
  • Chippenham library is holding an event for people who are new to Wiltshire today between 2pm and 4pm. The start of a series of coffee drop-ins on Saturday mornings - further dates to be decided.

The aim is to help migrant workers settle into Wiltshire life, provide them with a place to come where they can practice their English, and find out any information they need.

This is a chance for them to meet new people and share their experiences. The library is also looking for volunteers to come along and chat.

  • Chippenham library is holding a princess storytime on April 17 between 11am and 12pm with stories, treasure trail and activities for children aged between four and eight who are accompanied by an adult.

There will be pirate stories similar to the morning event on the same day between 2pm and 3pm. Both are free but places need to be booked. This can be done through the library direct or by calling 01249 650536.

  • Trowbridge library is holding a bedtime story event on April 26 where people are invited to dress up as their favourite story book character and enjoy stories and activities.

Many libraries will also be running a range of regular activities such as sessions for babies and toddlers, and children's storytimes book clubs.

People can get more details of these by contacting their local library or visiting www.wiltshire.gov.uk