Bookstart in Richmond upon Thames

Bookstart is the national programme that encourages all parents and carers to enjoy books with children from as early an age as possible by giving them free books. It is administered through local authorities' library services. This is how the scheme works in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

Free books for babies and children!

Bookstart Baby Packs

Books and a bag in the Bookstart for Babies Scheme

For babies aged 0 to 12 months

In Richmond these are given by the Health Visitor Team during the baby's first year.

  • Contains two board books and a book of nursery rhymes
  • Also includes a first book list for babies and "Babies Love Books", a guidance leaflet on sharing books, written and illustrated by Catherine and Lawrence Anholt

Bookstart+

Books and a bag in the Bookstart Plus Scheme

For toddlers aged 18 to 30 months

In Richmond these are given by the Health Visitor at the 30-month development check.

  • Aims to boost a child's language-building and listening skills
  • Includes two fun and engaging books and activity materials (e.g. colouring book, crayons, bedroom frieze)
  • Colourful bookplate stickers ("This book belongs to...") encourage children to build their own book collection.
  • A book list and guidance leaflet for parents and carers provide more ideas for things to do with books
  • Packaged in a bright-coloured nylon satchel

Bookstart Treasure Chest

Books and a box in the Treasure Chest Scheme

For children aged 36 to 47 months

In Richmond most children will receive their Treasure Chest via their early years setting, i.e. pre-school playgroup or nursery.

  • Contains picture books and stickers, as well as a pad and pencils to encourage early writing
  • Also includes guidance material for parents and carers
  • Packaged in a pre-assembled chest with wooden effect, like a pirate's chest
  • Illustrated with jewellery, coins and necklaces (to appeal to both boys and girls)
  • Features a "secret" hidden compartment for keeping favourite books, best drawings, etc.

More information about Bookstart

For general information on Bookstart, see http://www.bookstart.org.uk.

If you have queries on how the scheme works in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, please contact:

Liz Windaybank,

Reading Development Librarian for Young People's Library Services
Telephone: 020 8940 0590
Email: e.windaybank@richmond.gov.uk