Introducing Tala – a new character to inspire the newest generation of visitors to Hertfordshire’s libraries

From September, there will be a new addition to the Hertfordshire library family, as ‘Tala the Storyteller’ is unveiled. A bright, vibrant creature, Tala is set to capture the imagination of babies and young people making their first foray into the wonderful world of reading.

The new character was created by local, newly graduated artists Emma Phillips and Eva Povey using funds from an Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant. Through creative workshops with families they were able to find out what appeals to young children in Hertfordshire and used these ideas in their designs.

Tala will be the star of Hertfordshire libraries’ new promotion ‘My Firsts’ to inspire families with babies and young children to visit the library regularly, to borrow books and to join in with the variety of early years family activities, such as Rhyme Time.  

From 1 September, children from newborn to aged five who join the library will receive the new ‘My First library card’ and a special keepsake certificate. 

Starting school is another key milestone and all children starting nursery or reception in September are invited to visit a Hertfordshire library to be awarded their My First Day at School certificate to celebrate this new adventure.

Further certificates will be created following feedback from families, but to date, future ‘My First’ certificates include:

• My first tooth
• My first storytime
• My first birthday

Councillor Terry Douris, Executive Member for Education, Libraries and Lifelong Learning said:

“Reading books and singing rhymes with young children is crucial to early years development. It helps children to build their language skills, imagination and understanding of the world. Reading regularly to children, particularly at a young age can have a positive lifelong impact, benefiting their health and wellbeing, creativity and education.”

“Libraries are at the heart of our Hertfordshire communities, evidenced by the recent poll of residents which revealed visiting a Hertfordshire Library or attending a library event was their top thrifty adventure. It’s my hope that Tala will be taken to the hearts of our younger library visitors and will inspire Hertfordshire families to explore the wealth of free resources on offer from books, audiobooks to group activities such as story time and rhyme time.”  

Speaking about their design, Tala’s creators, Emma and Eva said:

“What inspired us most was the children’s own designs at our workshops in the libraries. We were particularly impressed at how creative the children were at such a young age. They helped us to understand what children liked best in a creature.

“All their weird and wonderful creations helped us think outside the box to create a vibrant new character that would resonate with this new generation of readers. 

We hope that families love Tala as much as we loved creating them!”