Moray Libraries and Information Services are delighted with the recent announcement that the Scottish Executive are going to be providing increased funding for Bookstart in Scotland. This will lead to an expansion of the existing service to children and families in Moray so that 3 packs can be provided:

• Bookstart bags for every baby in their first year
• Bookstart + packs for every toddler aged 18 - 30 months
• My Treasure Chest for every child aged  36 - 48 months

The delivery of the first two Bookstart bags will be carried out in partnership with Health Visitors, the Treasure Chests, with nurseries and playgroups.

The success of this initiative will be greater with all relevant agencies who work with children and families, coming together to ensure that families are aware of these wonderful opportunities. Books can provide the first crucial step in unlocking a child's imagination and creativity and boost their early development. They help lay the foundations of early literacy and numeracy, build good communications and listening skills. The gifting of bags at three key points in a young child's life helps to remind parents and carers about the importance of books and the benefits of book sharing from birth right up to when the child starts school.

If you would like to know more about Bookstart in Moray please contact Principal Librarian (Young People's Services) on 01343 562611