| Bookstart in Reading is part of the national Bookstart project – which aims to ensure that babies and children love books, and that everyone enjoys the special time you can have sharing books with babies and toddlers. All packs contain books, advice and activities, as well as information about libraries and children’s services in Reading. Reading’s libraries welcome everyone – especially children – we provide access to thousands of books for free, as well as storytimes and singing sessions for young children. We want children to love books, words and reading – and Bookstart is one way we can do this.
Bookstart is part of Booktrust, the book promotion charity – and the project is generously supported by SureStart (part of the Department for Education and Skills), Red House Books and around 20 children’s book publishers, as well as several other commercial partners. Bookstart does have a major impact on children’s reading abilities.
Reading Borough Libraries is working with Reading Primary Care Trust and Reading Early Years, SureStart and Childcare Partnership to deliver :
- A Bookstart canvas bag containing 2 books and information for parents for all 8/9 month old babies, given out by Health Visitors at the developmental check.
- A Bookstart Plus (Bookstart+) book bag for 2 year olds, given out by Health Visitors at the developmental check.
- A Bookstart Treasure Box for all 36-47 month old children, which will be given out at the early years centre of each child.
The pack for young babies has been given out in Reading since 1999 – and the 2 new packs started to be given out in October 2005. We will have stocks of packs available at each library from January 2006, but we cannot give these out retrospectively.
From now, all children are entitled to all three packs. There are no qualifying criteria. The project has funding until late 2008.
The information above applies to the Reading Borough Council area. Neighbouring authorities operate Bookstart, but some details may be different. If you are unsure, contact your local library.
If you are a parent or interested party and you have any questions about Bookstart packs in Reading, contact the Children’s Team at:
Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading, RG1 3BQ
Telephone: 0118 901 5961
or fill in the form on the Contact page. You can also visit the Bookstart national website at
www.bookstart.org.uk
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