All about Bookstart

What is Bookstart?

Bookstart was initiated in 1992 by the independent charity Booktrust in association with Birmingham Library Services, South Birmingham Health Authority and Birmingham University School of Education.

Katie Beardie

The objective of Bookstart was to encourage parents to share books with their children from a very early age, by offering free books to every child and relevant advice to every parent.

Bookstart is based on the belief that it's never too soon to share books with babies and that children exposed to books at an early age will start school with an advantage that can last throughout their life.

The scheme works by presenting parents / carers with a Bookstart pack that includes free books, advice on sharing books, information about library facilities and activities and an invitation to join. The pack is presented by health visitors during the 7-9 month health check, or equivalent developmental check.

Bookstart aims to ensure that every baby between 7-9 months recieves a free bag of books. It also aims to promote and encourage the sharing of books with babies and increase access to books by promoting local library services and book ownership to new parents Craigmillar Books for Babies is affiliated to Bookstart as a 'Bookstart Plus' project.

For more information on Bookstart visit their website at www.bookstart.co.uk