A series of specialist Bookstart packs are available in libraries to support families of children with disabilities and/or who have additional needs.

Bookstart is a national early intervention literacy programme that offers free books and parental guidance materials to babies, toddler and pre-school children to inspire a love of reading.

The programme is managed by the independent charity Booktrust, and is delivered across local libraries by Nottinghamshire County Council.

During last year, the scheme provided packs to 100 per cent of families of newborn babies in the county and 96 per cent of all three year olds received a Bookstart treasure bag.

Coun John Knight, culture committee chairman at the council said: “Research has shown the positive role that Bookstart can play in early child development as the programme aims to promote and encourage the sharing and reading of books in the home.

“It is great news that every family of a new baby received a Bookstart pack during the last 12 months and it is also useful to know that there are special packs for children with additional needs which are available in our libraries or through health visitors.”

The following packs are also available in county libraries:

• Bookshine packs for children who are deaf:
• Booktouch packs for children who are blind or partially sighted:
• Bookstart Star for children who are 2-4 years of age who have a condition or disability that impacts on, or delays their fine motor skills.
• Bookstart also has a number of dual language books for children who speak English as a second language who are entitled to free dual language books in Bookstart packs.

Progress of the Bookstart scheme will be discussed at the council’s Culture Committee on 1st April.