What is Bookstart?

Bookstart is the world’s first national bookgifting programme – established in 1992 and run by the reading charity BookTrust.

The programme is funded by Arts Council England and the Welsh Government, as well as BookTrust’s partners and donors.

Bookstart provides free books and resources to every local authority in England and Wales, who then work across public services to meet local needs. Resources are delivered in person to families by health, library and early years professionals, and practitioners who support parents and carers, ensuring that every child receives their Bookstart packs.

Bookstart gifts free books to children at key ages before school to help families read together every day and inspire children to develop a love of books and reading.