Get your bookstart pack
Published on 8th October 2012
Sandwell Council is encouraging parents and carers to take part in a new scheme to get their children interested in books at an early age.
They can pick up a bookstart pack, which is a free pack of books and information, for their young child.
A bookstart pack is a purple bag containing two board books, guidance leaflets as well as a rhythm poster and a Baby's First Shapes booklet.
All they need do to get a pack is pop along to their local library.
The books are suitable for 12 months and under because they are brightly coloured with plenty of visuals and they are tailored for interactions, early development and enjoyment.
This whole scheme is to develop the bonding time of a child and their parents/carers as well as encouraging participation in the local libraries by joining the library and borrowing books.
Also, in some libraries there are free activity times for under five's to take part in, such as rhyme and story times and interactive sessions.
Cabinet member for leisure services Councillor Linda Horton said the earlier children learn to read the better.
She added: "It helps with their general education and as they get older once they get the reading habit it provides years of enjoyment."