Children's Library & Teenzone

Bookstart is about encouraging parents and carers to share books and rhymes with young children....from a very early age.

It's never too soon to start sharing the delights of picture books or nursery rhymes, and in doing so, parents are giving their children the best start to life. A few minutes a day sharing a book with someone they love helps children develop their language, concentration and skills that will make learning easy.

The message is simple; give your child a headstart by giving them the pleasure of books. A " Bookstart " is the best start any child can have, and any parent can give it. As the child's first and most enduring teacher parents can open up their child's learning horizons. Children who have been introduced to books learn the important basic early literacy skills, and do better at school. (At KS1 25%-30% of " Bookstart " children have higher scores). It works because it's fun.

Bookstart aims to give children a love of books through a range of free Bookstart packs of books and guidance materials. Visit http://www.bookstart.co.uk/

All children in Southend should receive these free packs of reading goodies at key stages of their development.

A baby Bookstart bag is given to babies at the 7-9 month health development check at the health clinic by Bookstart Volunteers. Bookstart Treasure is gifted to children at or around their 4th birthday and is distributed through nurseries, pre-schools and childminders. There is also a Booktouch pack for visually impaired children and a Bookshine pack for children with a hearing impairment.

Each pack has two free books, information about how to share books together and other gifts. If children haven't received their pack, they can collect one from their local library.

Bookstart aims to support the 5 outcomes of Every Child Matters by ensuring all children "Be Healthy; Stay Safe; Enjoy and Achieve; Make a positive contribution, and Achieve economic well-being".

The Bookstart team visit local groups and community events to encourage parents and carers to share books with their children. Please contact the Bookstart team on 01702 615090 to book a visit.

Bookstart also provide collections of books in clinics and community venues around the town for parents and children to enjoy.

Bookstart Volunteers

Bookstart Volunteers meet families at their Health Clinic to give babies aged 7-9 months a Bookstart bag.

If you'd like to volunteer to help gift the Bookstart packs please contact the Bookstart Team on 01702 615090 or download an application pack (see Volunteering Opportunities with Southend Libraries).