| Bookstart is a national programme that gives free packs of books to
babies and toddlers 0-4years, along with guidance materials for parents
and carers. It promotes a lifelong love of books and is based on the
principal that every child in the UK should enjoy and benefit from books
from as early an age as possible. Bookstart in Sunderland is a
partnership delivered by Sunderland Public Libraries, the Early years and
Childcare Team and Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust.
The Bookstart packs - there are currently three packs available:
Bookstart for babies (0-12 months)
- The pack consists of a canvas bag containing 2 board books,
a book of nursery rhymes, advice on sharing books and information about
libraries. The pack is given to babies by their health visitor at
7-9 months.
Bookstart plus (18-30 months) - A satchel including 2 books,
colouring pad and crayons, number frieze, set of bookplates,
book list and guidance material for parents/carers. Health visitors
usually distribute the packs to children at 2 years of age.
My treasure chest (3 years) - The treasure chest has a secret
compartment which includes 2 picture books, bookplates, a colouring pad
and pencils, guidance for parents/carers and a book list. Children
will receive their treasure chest via their nursery setting.
If your child does not attend nursery school or did not receive their
pack from their health visitor you can also collect one from your local
library.
Booktouch packs (for visually impaired children)
Booktouch packs are also available for blind or partially sighted
children up to 4 years. Each pack contains at least 2 free books, a
leaflet with advice about reading with blind and partially sighted
children, a list of recommended books and a leaflet listing useful
services related to reading. Children can have a book touch pack in
addition to the other packs provided by Bookstart. Packs can be ordered directly from the
Bookstart co-ordinator on 091 219 3448.
Bookstart Book Crawl
All Sunderland libraries are involved in the Bookstart book crawl - a
free reading reward scheme for children 0-4 years. Children will
collect a sticker each time they borrow books and when they have collected
5 stickers they will receive a certificate designed by a popular
children's illustrator. There are a number of certificates available
to collect.
Weekly library story times:
|
Day |
Library |
Time |
| Monday |
Easington Lane |
2.00pm |
| |
Kayll Road |
2.00pm |
| Tuesday |
East Herrington |
10.30am |
| |
City Library & Arts Centre |
11.00am |
| |
Hendon |
2.00pm |
| |
Ryhope |
2.00pm |
| |
Shiney Row |
2.00pm |
| Wednesday |
Monkwearmouth |
10.30am |
| |
Sandhill View |
10.30am |
| |
Southwick |
11.00am |
| |
Silksworth |
2.00pm |
| Thursday |
Doxford Park |
2.00pm |
| |
Hetton |
2.15pm |
| Friday |
Houghton |
10.30am |
| |
Washington Millennium Centre |
11.00am |
| |
Washington Town Centre |
11.00am |
| |
Washington Green |
2.00pm |
| |
Fulwell |
2.30pm |
For more information on Bookstart contact:
Bookstart Officer
Washington Town Centre
Library
Independence Square
Washington
NE38 7RZ
Tel: (0191) 219 3448
|
