Bookstart

Bookstart distributes free books and other learning materials to all young children.

Bookstart recognises the educational, cultural, social and emotional benefits that an early introduction to books can achieve. The programme aims to inspire a love of books from as early an age as possible, encouraging parents and carers to share books with children.

In Plymouth, Bookstart is co-ordinated by libraries who work in partnership with Booktrust, health visitors and Early Years services in the city.

Find out more about Bookstart.

Bookstart packs

During pre-school years, children receive three distinct Bookstart packs:

Bookstart for Babies

• Presented in a Bookstart canvas bag
• Two board books
• "Babies Love Books" - guidance leaflet on sharing books
• "Welcome to Bookstart" - baby's first recommended book list
• Nursery rhyme book
• Invitation to join the library

The Bookstart for Babies pack is either presented by the health visitor at the time of the six to nine month health check, or collected by a parent or carer from any of our libraries. A parent or carer will have a child's red health record book signed by the health visitor or library staff member when the pack is presented.

Bookstart Plus

• Presented in a brightly coloured nylon satchel style bag
• Two books
• Colouring pad
• Pack of coloured crayons
• "Numbers are fun" bedroom frieze
• Set of colour bookplates - "This book belongs to......"
• Recommended book list and guidance leaflet
• "More things to do with books" - focussing on early language and listening skills
• Invitation to join the library

The Bookstart Plus pack is either presented by the health visitor at the time of the two year health check, or collected by a parent or carer from any of our libraries. A parent or carer will have a child's red health record book signed by the health visitor or library staff member when the pack is presented.

My Bookstart Treasure Chest

• Treasure box with secret compartment
• Colourful plastic carrier bag
• Two picture books
• "Treasure", a book of ideas, focussing on early language and listening skills
• Fiction and non-fiction book lists, with information about finding books on specific subjects, such as divorce and bereavement
• Set of colour bookplates - "This book belongs to......"
• Pack of coloured pencils
• Barrel pencil sharpener
• A4 colouring pad
• Invitation to join the library

The Bookstart Treasure Chest is for children aged between three and four. It is either presented at a pre-school centre or collected by a parent or carer from any of our libraries.

Booktouch and Bookshine

Booktouch packs are available for children aged 0 to 4 years with visual impairments. Bookshine packs are available for children aged 0 to 4 years with hearing impairments. Please ask at your local library for more information.

Bookstart Book Crawl

Bookstart Book Crawl is a free initiative for the under fives. To take part, children must be members of the library. Find out how to join.

After 4 library visits, children will receive one of twelve illustrated certificates designed by well known illustrators.

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