Bookstart is a national programme by BookTrust, which supports and encourages parents to read with their children from an early age. Research shows that children who receive Bookstart packs are more likely to regard reading as their favourite activity.
The packs are filled with free books for children and guidance materials for parents and are available at different stages of your child's early development.
Bookstart Baby Pack
The Universal Baby packs are usually handed out by a registrar when registering the birth of your child. If you registered your child elsewhere and/or haven't received a pack, you can pick one up from a library in Surrey.
Packs are kept at the following branches:
- Camberley Library
- Dorking Library
- Epsom Library
- Farnham Library
- Godalming Library
- Guildford Library
- Horley Library
- Redhill Library
- Staines Library
- Walton Library
- Woking Library
Alternatively, you can speak with someone at your local branch who can arrange for a pack to be sent to the branch for you to collect at a later time.
Booktouch: for children with a visual impairment
If your child is blind or partially sighted, they can get a free Booktouch pack, specially created for babies and children aged one to four years old. You can ask your health visitor, early years (childcare) setting or library to contact the local Bookstart Coordinator to get one.
Bookshine: for children who are deaf
If your child is deaf, they can get a free Bookshine pack, specially created for babies and young children aged one to four years old. You can ask your health visitor, early years (childcare) setting or library to contact the local Bookstart Coordinator to get one.
Dual languages
If English is your second language, then dual language books may be available for you to share with your pre-school child. For information about availability, contact the local Bookstart Co-ordinator.
Further information
For more information about Bookstart and the different packs available visit the Bookstart website. You can also find tips and activity ideas to help with your child's development on our Learn with me web pages.
You can contact the local Bookstart Co-ordinator by email: bookstart@surreycc.gov.uk
