Bookstart is a national scheme offering free books to children under five years old and advice to their parents on sharing books with children from a very early age.
Babies
Babies up to 12 months old have been getting free books from their health visitors for several years. Find out how to get your Bookstart pack.
Three year olds
Children aged from 36 months receive a treasure bag of books at their nursery, playgroup or pre-school. If your child doesn't go to pre-school, our Bookstart Project Manager can help instead. Find out how to get your Bookstart Treasure Bag.
Books in other languages
Families can ask for their packs to include books written in English and a second language. Find out how to get books in other languages.
Packs for visually impaired children
A free Booktouch pack is available to parents or carers of blind or partially sighted children up to four years old. Find out how to get your Booktouch pack.
Packs for hearing impaired children
A free Bookshine pack is available to parents or carers of deaf or hearing impaired children up to four years old. Find out how to get your Bookshine pack.
Sharing books with your child
Babies and toddlers love books. They are soothed by the sound of your voice, have your undivided attention and enjoy being held and cuddled.
By sharing books at a young age, children will learn to listen, concentrate, use imagination, develop language skills and learn about themselves and the world around them.
You can also share books, stories and rhymes online by joining the national Bookstart Bear Club.
Why not join the library?
Don't worry about babies and young children being noisy or chewing books in libraries. There are no charges for late, lost or damaged books for children under eight. See how to join your library.
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East Sussex County Council