Bookstart
Bookstart is the first national book-gifting scheme in the world. Library staff, health visitors and other partners work together to bring the gift of books to babies born in the UK.
At 7 – 9 months old
Baby Bookstart bag
When your child is about 7 months old your health visitor will give you a Baby Bookstart bag containing 2 free books and lots of information about reading with babies.
Singing songs and rhymes with babies encourages language development and is great fun so come along to one of our Rhyme Time sessions where one of our special Rhyme Time puppets will be there to show you the actions!
At 2 years old
Bookstart Plus bag
When your child is approximately 2 years old you will also be entitled to a special Bookstart Plus bag.
Your health visitor or early years worker will give you a Bookstart Plus Voucher which can be exchanged for a children’s book bag at your local Barnet library.
In the bag you will find 2 more free books for your child.
At 3 years old
Bookstart Treasure Box
When your child reaches 3 years old you will receive another treasure box voucher from your child’s preschool or playgroup. Bring this voucher to any Barnet library to collect your fantastic Bookstart Treasure Box.
Vouchers
Bookstart Plus and Treasure Box vouchers are distributed to preschools according to an annual timetable. Please do not worry if your child has reached 3 years old and you have not yet received your voucher. All groups will receive vouchers over the course of the year.
Rhyme Times and Storytimes
Rhyme Times are run at various libraries and other locations around the borough. Storytime sessions for Under 5's are run in all Barnet Libraries every week. Come along and join the fun!
Contact the Bookstart Liaison Officer for more details.
If you do not see your health visitor or your child does not attend a preschool, please tell library staff and they will issue you with your Bookstart gifts.
All Bookstart bags are free of charge.
