The Cambridgeshire Bookstart Scheme is part of a national programme to encourage a love of books from the earliest age possible and comprises of 3 gifts:

The Bookstart Bag for Babies up to a year old is widely distributed via Health Professionals at or around the time of the 8/9 month developmental health check. If a baby should miss out, this gift can be collected from the Library

The Bookstart Plus Satchel is designed for all 2 year olds and can be collected from any Library across the county. The colourful Bookstart Bear satchel provides the ideal way for all toddlers to carry their books to and from the Library!

The Bookstart Treasure Chest is for all 3 year olds and is issued by nurseries and pre-schools. However, if a child does not attend one of these settings then a Treasure Chest can be ordered through the Library

Each gift contains 2 books that are specially tailored to suit the development of the child as well some ideas and top tips for parents and carers on how best to share books with children

The only item that is needed to claim any one of the 3 gifts from the Library is the child’s Health Record Book as this simply provides proof of the child’s date of birth

Cambridgeshire Libraries welcomes all babies and pre-school children with many providing regular story and rhyme times for both parents and children to enjoy