Babies and children need books, and you can get them for free at any Hounslow library.  The Hounslow Bookstart team has packs for all children under four years to keep, filled with free books, goodies and advice for parents and carers about book sharing, reading and fun.

The Bookstart Bag for babies under one and the Bookstart + Pack for toddlers aged 18-30 months are both available through your health visitor or can be collected from the local library.

My Bookstart Treasure Chest for three year olds is gifted primarily through school nursery classes and some early year’s settings.  Where the nursery place is not taken, the Treasure Chest can be collected from the library.

Booktouch Packs for under four’s who are visually impaired and Bookshine Packs for under four’s who have a hearing impairment are available on request from the Bookstart Coordinator.

Babies can join the library from the day they’re born.
It’s free for everyone to join.
Babies and children receive a warm welcome in the library – don’t worry if they make a noise!
Every library has bright board books and picture books for sharing.
Rhymetimes and Storytimes for babies, toddlers and their carers in most libraries.  Stories, songs, rhymes, joining in and sharing is fun!
The Bookcrawl scheme for under fours is available to join at all libraries.  Collect stickers at each visit to exchange for attractive certificates (12 to collect).
CD’s, DVD’s and videos for early years available.
Parenting advice and situation books available to borrow in the children’s library.

Call into your local library or contact Monique Shelly (0845 456 2905) to get your child started with books.