Since July 1999 Bridgend Bookstart has been distributing FREE books to babies when they attend a 7-9 month health check at clinic. The scheme is funded by The Basic Skills Agency as part of the National Basic Skills Strategy in Wales. Co-operation between Bridgend Library and Information Service and the health visitors of the Bro Morgannwg Health Trust ensure parents receive the message that it is never too young to introduce books to babies.

BOOKSTART BAGS

All Bookstart material in Wales is completely bi-lingual. Each Bookstart pack consists of the following FREE materials:

A good quality canvas bag containing:

2 well known board books (one in English, the other bi-lingual)

Babies Love Books leaflets: a guidance leaflet for parents/carers on sharing books.

Rhymes and Books for babies: a bi-lingual leaflet giving details of a range of books for babies.

Nursery Rhyme place mat.

Library information leaflet: information about Bridgend Library & Information Service with a membership application form.

Each baby born within Bridgend County Borough should receive a Bookstart bag when they attend clinic for a 7-9 month health check. Ask at your local library if for any reason you have not received a bag.