Justin Tomlinson MP on a recent visit to Swindon's Central Library
Justin Tomlinson MP today welcomed the publication of Bookstart Swindon’s annual report.
Bookstart is based on the principle that every child in the UK should have the opportunity to enjoy book sharing from as early an age as possible. It is about quality time spent between parent/carer and child with no distractions from the TV or radio. It is about listening to stories, talking about the pictures and learning how to turn the pages. Bookstart is about pleasure, not learning to read, though it has been proven to have a positive effect on learning.
In Swindon Bookstart is organised by a team of partners who have committed to promoting the idea of early book sharing and seek to give every child the opportunity to develop a life-long love of books. Bookstart partners in Swindon aim to provide every Swindon child with two Bookstart packs of free books.
Over the last year, 3035 baby packs were delivered to Swindon’s babies, covering a remarkable 96% of the birthrate. 1296 toddlers received Bookstart packs, nearly half of the population. 2650 ‘Treasure Chests’ of books were delivered to every three year old in early years.
The Bookstart Scheme has also run a number of successful outreach activities across Swindon, from rhymetime sessions at post-natal groups to a Bookstart Roadshow in the Brunel.
Justin Tomlinson MP said “I am delighted to see the Bookstart Scheme have yet another successful year and continue to grow. As Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Libraries, I welcome schemes that promote reading and the use of libraries. The Bookstart Scheme is clearly doing this in Swindon. Thanks to the team’s efforts, an impressive 1653 children under four joined Swindon Libraries last year. I hope that Swindon Bookstart continues to inspire our children to take up reading.”