Bookstart was initiated in 1992 by the independent charity Book Trust in association with Birmingham Library Services, Birmingham Health Authority and Birmingham School of Education.
The objective of Bookstart was and still is to encourage parents to share books with their children from an early age, by offering free books to every child and relevant advice to every parent.
The scheme works by presenting all parents/carers with a Bookstart pack when their child is around 7-9 months old. The pack includes two free books, advice on sharing books, information about library facilities and activities and an invitation to join.
Bookstart is a Partnership between your local Library Service and your local Health Trust.
Sharing a book with a young child helps to create a warm, loving relationship between parent and baby and also improves bonding from a very early age.
