Notts: New Bookstart packs now available for young readers at county libraries

Bookstart is a national early intervention literacy programme which offers free books and parental guidance materials to babies, toddler and pre-school children to inspire a love of reading.

The programme is managed by the independent charity Booktrust, and is delivered across libraries by the council.

During last year, the scheme successfully provided packs to 100 per cent of families of new born babies in the county and 96 per cent of all three year-olds received a Bookstart treasure bag.

Coun John Knight, culture committee chairman at the council said: “Research has shown the positive role that Bookstart can play in early child development as the programme aims to promote and encourage the sharing and reading of books in the home.”

“It is great news that every family of a new baby received a Bookstart pack during the last 12 months and it is also useful to know that there are special packs for children with additional needs which are available in our libraries or through health visitors.”

Booktouch packs for children who are blind or partially sighted, Bookstart Star packs for children aged two to four and Bookstart dual language books are also available.