Bookstart is a national scheme providing babies and preschool children with free packs of books.

Bookstart baby pack

New parents receive a Bookstart baby pack from Medway Register Office when they register their baby.

Bookstart early years

Bookstart gifts are distributed in Medway through organisations which work closely with early years children and their families, such as:

  • nurseries
  • preschools
  • children and family hubs
  • Home-start
  • Medway Foodbank.

Bookstart dual language books

If English is a second language in your family, Bookstart dual language books are available by request from any Medway community hub or library.

Bookstart for children with additional needs

For children with additional needs, Bookstart packs are also available for:

  • babies and young children who are blind or partially sighted
  • babies and young children who are deaf or hearing impaired
  • 2 to 4 year olds with a condition that affects their fine motor skills.

Bookstart Storytime

Storytime is available for preschool families and at early years groups in all Medway community hubs and libraries. 

You can read 6 storytime books with fun activities. 

For more information about Booktrust Storytime, speak to our library staff.

Contact us about Bookstart

For more information on Bookstart, or if you think you’ve missed a pack, contact the Community Librarian for Children and Young People on 01634 337 799.

You can find more resources, events, games and recommended books on the Bookstart website.