Bookstart scheme to provide reading materials

Parents in Newtown could soon receive books to read with their young children.

Powys Library Service has joined a pilot scheme across Wales, led by Booktrust Cymru, to provide Bookstart packs to families who did not receive one from their Health Visitor due to the Coronavirus lockdown.

Bookstart is a national scheme that encourages parents to share and enjoy books with their children from an early age. Bilingual baby and toddler packs were routinely gifted to families by Health Visitors; however, this was not possible during lockdown. This will now be restarting and continue to be the normal way to receive a pack.

Any family who did not receive a pack is invited to contact the library service using the book Order & Collect request helpline 01597 827460 to order their pack and arrange collection.

The scheme will operate from the main Order & Collect centres such as Newtown Library.

Councillor Rachel Powell, Cabinet Member for Young People, Leisure and Culture, said: “With a background in early years and child development, through various roles, I know the importance of the Bookstart packs, that encourage early social relationships, affirm positive attachments and are vital for speech and language development. It is important that all families have access to this early resource especially during this time, when face-to-face support has been limited.

“There are some resources through this scheme and for any baby, just hearing a parent or care givers voice in describing pictures will be a positive introduction to the benefits of any literacy resource.”