Yarik from Ukraine at the City Library. Pic Larry Cummins. On Thursday 22nd December 'Bags of Welcome' were given to Early Years Children from Ukrainian Accommodation Centres, Direct Provision, Kinsale Road and Direct Provision Ashbourne House Glounthaune, at the Children’s and Young People’s Library Grand Parade, with a singing and storytelling session from Deirdre Ryan, and a visit from a special man in a red suit. Through the Bags of Welcome programme, Cork City Libraries supports the vision of the LECP, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for Early Years children, who are at risk of being marginalised within our city. This programme is targeted at, but not limited to early years children in Ukrainian residential centres, children in Direct Provision, and children in RAPID areas. Families identified by Cork City Library Service across communities will receive 2 wordless picture books in a drawstring bag. The hope is that parents of Early Years Children will use their Bag of Welcome to read to their babies and children. By highlighting the benefits of reading to/with babies and young children, this programme encourages the habit of a regular visit to the library for children of all nationalities. For further information contact Clare Doyle on 021 4924903 and 021 4924920 and e-mail clare_doyle@corkcity.ie