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 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 |
|
10am to 11.30am |
Canada Water Library |
|
2pm to 3.30pm |
Brandon Library |
|
Tuesdays (term time only) |
|
|---|---|
|
10am to 11am |
Camberwell Library |
|
10am to 11.30am |
Dulwich Wood Children's Centre |
|
Wednesdays (term time only) |
|
|---|---|
|
10am to 11.30am |
Peckham Library |
|
Fridays (term time only) |
|
|---|---|
|
10am to 11.30am |
Albrighton Community Centre |
|
10am to 11.30am |
Leyton Square Adventure Playground |
Bookstart baby packs
Every child in England and Wales is entitled to a free Bookstart pack before they are 12 months old. Bookstart also gifts additional needs packs for babies and toddlers, as well as black-and-white booklets for newborns and dual-language books.
Find out 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: 23 November 2023
