Bookstart and Sure Start children's centres

The Bookstart programme offers free books as gifts to children, along with guidance materials for parents and carers. Bookstart wants every child in the UK to develop a lifelong love of books.

Our libraries and children's centres offer a wide range of Bookstart sessions for all children from 0 to 4 years old, and their parents or carers. Each session includes singing, educational play, storytelling and much more. Just drop in. No booking is required.

Southwark Libraries also offers a range of other free library activities for Under 5s.

Bookstart sessions

Mondays (term time only)

 

10am to 11am

Blue Anchor Library
Market Place, SE16 3UQ

10am to 11.30am

Canada Water Library
21 Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7AR

2pm to 3.30pm

Brandon Library
Maddock Way, Cooks Road, SE17 3NH

Tuesdays (term time only)

 

10am to 11am

Camberwell Library
48 Camberwell Green, SE5 7AL

10am to 11.30am

Dulwich Wood Children's Centre
Lyall Avenue, SE21 8QS

Wednesdays (term time only)

 

10am to 11.30am

Peckham Library
122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR

10am to 11.30am Una Marson Library
62 Thurlow Street, SE17 2GN

Fridays (term time only)

 

10am to 11.30am

Albrighton Community Centre
37 Albrighton Rd, London SE22 8AH

10am to 11.30am

Ann Bernadt Children and Family Centre
29 Chandler Way, London SE15 6DT

Bookstart baby packs

Every child in England and Wales is entitled to a free Bookstart pack before 12 months old. Bookstart also gifts additional needs packs for babies and toddlers, black-and-white booklets for newborns and dual-language books.

Learn more about the Bookstart packs and access digital resources for toddlers and pre-school children on the Bookstart website.

Sure Start children's centres

This national scheme aims to:

  • improve the health, development and education of very young children
  • increase childcare availability for all children
  • support parents in their role and in developing their employment aspirations

Find a Sure Start centre near you

Page last updated: 26 January 2024

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