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Bookstart
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Bookstart is a national programme that encourages all parents and carers to enjoy books with children from as early an age as possible. Sharing books helps children to understand their world as well as increasing language skills and is an ideal way to spend time with your child.
The Bookstart packs
Bookstart aims to provide a free pack of books to every baby in the UK, to inspire, stimulate and create a love of reading that will give children a flying start in life. The packs contain free books, plus guidance material for parents and carers and information about local libraries. 90 per cent of babies in the UK receive a Bookstart pack and the aim is for every baby to benefit.
There are three Bookstart packs:
- Bookstart pack - This is given out by the health visitor at your child's eight-month developmental review
- Bookstart+ pack - You can pick this up from your local library or children's centre when your child is two-and-a-half years old
- Bookstart treasure chest - This is given out by the nursery or preschool in the term before your child's fourth birthday
For more information about how to receive your Bookstart packs, please email: bookstart@wokingham.gov.uk For more information about Bookstart, please visit the Bookstart website.
Booktouch, Bookshine and dual language
We also offer the Booktouch pack for children with visual impairment, the Bookshine pack for children with hearing impairment, and dual language packs. To request one of these packs, please email: bookstart@wokingham.gov.uk
Bookstart Book Crawl
The Bookstart Book Crawl is a fun way for children aged under 4 to find out more about their library. Children collect stickers on each visit to the library and can then exchange 4 stickers for a certificate. There are 10 certificates to collect, which are lovely keepsakes of children’s earliest years as library members. To join the Book Crawl, ask any member of staff at your local library.
