Bookstart
It’s never too early to join the Library!
Bookstart is a national initiative that brings the exciting world of nursery rhymes and books to babies, under fives, and their parents and carers. Bookstart packs are gifted free at three recommended stages.
Bookstart Bags for under 1 years
Bookstart Plus Satchels for 18 to 36 months
Bookstart Treasure Chest for 36 to 48 months
Each pack contains two free books, a guidance leaflet on sharing books and other free goodies individual to each pack.
Bookstart Bags are gifted from midwife led Mother and Baby and Children Centre Clinics at 7 to 9 months check. Satchels and Treasure Chests are gifted through early years settings. All three are available from your local library.
Booktouch pack is available for blind and partially sighted children age 0 to 4 years.
Bookshine pack is available for hearing impaired children age 0-4 years.
Bookstart Dual Language is also available in five local community languages, Arabic, Portuguese, Punjabi, Tamil and Urdu.
Booktouch, Bookshine and Dual Language are in addition to the standard three packs.
While you’re in the library why not join in with the Bookstart Bookcrawl. Every child under five can collect a sticker for each visit to the library and receive an attractive certificate after four visits. There are 13 certificates, designed by top children’s illustrators, to collect.
For more information or to obtain Bookstart packs for your child or setting please contact Tel: 020 8547 5006, e-mail: michael.treacy@rbk.kingston.gov.uk, or ask at your nearest Library
Did you know your local library runs regular rhyme and storytimes. Singing rhymes and sharing books together is a lovely way to bond with your child and help them build vocabulary, language and listening skills which are essential in getting children ready to enjoy school. All members of the family can join in the fun, so why not come along and give it a try.