Bookstart - getting children reading
Bookstart is a national programme. It aims to get families to share stories, books, and rhymes with children under 5.
By introducing your child to books and stories from an early age, it can have a significant impact by:
- starting a long-lasting love of reading
- creating a stronger bond with you
- improving your family's wellbeing
- stimulating their brain development
- reaching speech and communication goals.
Available Bookstart packs
Babies
A Bookstart baby pack is for babies aged 0 to 12 months. It aims to encourage early interaction with books and stories.
Each free pack contains:
- an engaging book chosen by a panel of expert librarians and early years professionals
- a colourful finger puppet
- a fun, informative leaflet to help you understand the benefits of sharing rhymes and stories at an early age.
Toddlers and pre-school children
If you're looking to discover your child's next favourite book, visit the Bookstart website. You'll find recommendations, interactive games, and activities. As well as tips to make storytime fun and engaging.
Kent Family Hub deliver a 3 week Bookstart programme, contact your local family hub to find out more information. As part of completing the programme every child will receive a free 1 to 2 or 3 to 4-year-olds Bookstart pack.
Children with special educational needs
Bookstart offers specialised packs to make sure your child can enjoy the benefits of books and reading. These include:
- Bookshine for babies and toddlers who are deaf or hard of hearing. The pack includes 2 books, a rhyme placemat, and a BSL bookmark.
- Booktouch for babies and toddlers who are blind or partially sighted. The pack includes 2 touch-and-feel books.
- Bookstart Star for 3 to 5-year-olds with conditions affecting fine motor skills. The pack includes 1 book and a finger puppet.
You'll also find great resources and a recommended booklist from our libraries for children with special educational needs. Why not also contact us by email librariesreadingandliteracy@kent.gov.uk to find out more about how we can further support your family for free.
Get your Bookstart pack
It's simple and easy to get your free Bookstart packs.
Any baby born in Kent will get a baby pack at their birth registration. If you've moved to Kent with your baby (0 to 12 months) and did not get your pack let us know. You can either visit your local library or email bookstart@kent.gov.uk. Please tell us your name and your local library for collection.
If your child is eligible for any other Booktouch or Bookshine pack, email bookstart@kent.gov.uk. Remember to include your name, which pack you want, and your local library for collection.
To request a Bookstart Star email kentportage@kent.gov.uk from Portage.
Join your local library
The fun doesn’t stop here!
Did you know your baby, toddler and child can join your local library for free? Visit our join our library page to sign up. You can borrow up to 30 books at a time. There are no reservation charges or late fees (for those up to 17-years-old).
If you or someone you care for has a disability or mental health condition, we offer a free concession library card. Using the card will make your library visits easier and more enjoyable. Find out more about our concession library card.
You are also very welcome to join us at one of our free activities for babies and toddlers in Kent.
- Baby Rhyme Time is a free, fun and noisy way for under 3s to develop a love of language and a foundation for learning. Each session lasts about 20 minutes and includes the opportunity to join in with nursery rhymes and action songs.
- Storytime is available for 3 to 4 year olds at a library near you.
- Playground is an exciting programme of creativity for young children and their families in libraries, family hubs and other venues across Kent. Our ambition is to empower young children and their families through engaging, transformative and high-quality creative activities.