Parents and Carers

Storysacks are a great way for parents/carers to share books with children and make story time fun.
Each sack contains a storybook, a related factual book, plus exciting toys and games to bring the story to life.
They can be borrowed free of charge for one week on an adult or group library card.
Also look out for Tiny Tote sacks, a simpler version of the storysack for 0 to 3 years old.

Bookstart  is a national programme that works on the principle that every child in the UK should come to know books from as early an age as possible, so they will develop a lifelong love of books and reading.
Cumbria libraries, health visitors and nurseries work with Bookstart to give free packs of books to pre- school children. There are three different packs, given when children are 8 months, 18 months and 3 years old. 
For more information about when and where to get your pack ask your health visitor or contact kathy.bartlett@cumbriacc.gov.uk

Bookstart Rhymetimes are designed to encourage parents and carers to share nursery rhymes and songs with babies from birth onwards. 
Library sessions incorporate a mix of familiar and not so familiar rhymes, songs and music and provide the opportunity to share these with your baby and to meet other parents and carers. For details of your nearest Rhymetime session, please ask at your local library.

Booktouch aims to get blind and partially sighted babies and toddlers "bookstarted". A free Booktouch pack is available to parents or carers of blind or partially sighted children up to the age of five. One Booktouch pack is available to each child, and they are given in addition to the three Bookstart packs.

Each canvas Booktouch pack contains at least two free books. a leaflet with advice about reading with blind and partially sighted children, a list of recommended books and a leaflet listing useful services related to reading. 
Please ask your health visitor or local library for more details.
More information about Bookstart (external link)

Parent/Carer Collections:
Many larger libraries have special collections of books and media chosen to help with a range of parenting issues such as :

• Pregnancy and Birth
• Caring for babies
• Healthy eating
• Potty training
• Siblings
• Caring for Teenagers      

These can be found in the children's area. They have a special parent/child sticker on the spine of each book.