Bracknell

Young Bracknell children can get their hands on free books as part of scheme called Bookstart.

The scheme gives Bracknell youngsters a free pack containing two books appropriate to their age group and there are separate packs for toddlers aged 18 to 30 months and children aged 36 to 48 months.

Bookstart's aim is to introduce all children to books as a way of learning as well as for the simple pleasure of listening to or reading a story.

As well as two books each Bookstart pack also includes crayons and stickers.

Philippa Hendy and Sarah Bickley from Bracknell Library have organised a series of information sessions to give parents and carers the chance to find out more and pick up a pack for their child.

Parents need to bring their child's red health book to the the sessions which are scheduled as follows:

Whitegrove Library, 5 County Lane, Warfield, Bracknell

10.30 -11.15am

Thursday April 13

Crowthorne Library, High Street, Crowthorne

10.30 -11.15am

Tuesday April 18

Bracknell Library, Town Square, Bracknell

10.30 -11.15am

Tuesday April 25

Wednesday May 10

Thursday May 25

Tuesday June 6

Wednesday June21

Tuesday July 18

Sandhurst Library, The Broadway, Sandhurst

10.30 -11.15am

Thursday June 1

Birch Hill Library, Leppington, Birch Hill, Bracknell

10.30 - 11.15am

Thursday June 15

Sarah and Philippa have also been out spreading the word about Bracknell Bookstart at nurseries, playgroups and toddlers groups.

Ruth Burgess, Head of Bracknell Libraries and Information, said: "Bookstart is about encouraging children to see books as a source of pleasure and a way of learning from an early age.

"If they start enjoying books in their early years they are more likely to develop an interest in reading that will stay with them throughout their lives."

Bookstart is a national scheme being run by Booktrust, the Department for Skills and Education and Council's around the country.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council