Bookbug
What is Bookbug?
Bookbug is the book sharing programme delivered in partnership by national reading charity Scottish Book Trust, local authorities, libraries and health trusts. Bookbug encourages parents and carers to share books with their children from as early an age as possible to inspire a love of reading in every child.
Bookbug Sessions
What are they?
Free, friendly, fun sessions of songs, rhymes and stories for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their families and carers to enjoy together. Each session lasts around
30-40 minutes and has been designed to support children’s development while having fun. They take place in a very relaxed environment and are a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your little one, and meet other families.
Why?
Rhymes and songs help your baby’s language skills and are great building blocks for
your baby’s future learning. Sharing time singing with your babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers is a fantastic way to have fun together. And it’s a great place to meet other
families. Come along and join in the fun.
To find out more about the benefits of Bookbug Sessions: http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/bookbug/about-bookbug/research
What parents enjoy about Bookbug Sessions:
“We love meeting up with our friends at Bookbug and hearing new stories and songs that we can sing again together at home!” Bookbug parent
If you would like to tell us what you love about Bookbug please email bookbug@inverclyde.gov.uk
Where and when?
Bookbug sessions are available on a drop-in basis from 1st December 2022. We experience high demand for Bookbug sessions and whilst advance booking is not required, we do have restrictions on space so are required to limit the number of families we have in our venues, therefore admittance to sessions will be on a first come basis. Managing the numbers in this way ensures that our Bookbug sessions offer an enjoyable experience for all.
Monday
Gourock Library @ 11.15am
Port Glasgow @ 6pm
South West @6pm
Tuesday
Greenock Central Library @ 12pm
Inverkip & Wemyss Bay Library @1pm
Wednesday
Greenock Central Library @10.30am -11am
Thursday
Gourock Library @ 11.15am
Kilmacolm Library @ 11.15am
Friday
Port Glasgow Library @ 10am
Port Glasgow Library @ 11am
South West Library (Barr’s Cottage) @ 1.30pm
Saturday
Greenock Central Library @ 11.30am
Watt Institution @10.15am
*Please note that the Watt Institution does not hold a session on the first Saturday of each month*
Monthly Au-some Bookbug Session
As part of Inverclyde Libraries autism-friendly afternoons, we will be holding Bookbug Sessions with Makaton signing for babies, toddlers and pre-school children and their families on the last Wednesday of the month in Greenock Central Library. Doors open at 1.15pm with Ausome Bookbug at 1.30pm.
You can also join our Au-some Bookbug Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ausomebookbug
What else does our library offer for young people?
All babies and children can be registered for their own library card and borrow books for free.
We have an excellent selection of children’s books including board books and lift the flaps. Ask a member of our staff if you would like some recommendations.There are no late fines for children’s books (that have been borrowed on child’s library card).
All of our libraries offer membership of our Bookbug Borrowers Club for regular attendees at Bookbug Sessions. Please ask at your local library for further details and availability.
For further details of all services for young people please see our Services for the Under 5s page.
Bookbug’s Library Challenge
Bookbug's Library Challenge is a fun and enjoyable way for children to become familiar with the library environment and an exciting way to give your child a love of reading for life. It is a FREE programme that encourages children from birth until starting school to discover and enjoy their local library.
Children can take part in Bookbug’s Library Challenge:
- Join your local library and pick up your child's Collector's Card
- Collect a stamp each time your child borrows books
- When your card is full, swap it for a certificate for your child to keep
- Start collecting stamps on a new card! There are lots of certificates to collect.
We will be launching this year’s Challenge on 2nd March (World Book Day) and it will run until 28th April.
Bookbug Bags
Bookbug is the book sharing programme delivered in partnership by national reading charity Scottish Book Trust, local authorities, libraries and health trusts. Bookbug encourages parents and carers to share books with their children from as early anage as possible to inspire a love of reading in every child.
There are four fantastic free bags of books for young children in Inverclyde:
- Baby Bag: from your health visitor when your baby is around 14-20 weeks
- Toddler Bag: from your health visitor when your child around 12 months
- Explorer Bag: from nursery when your child is in their ante-pre-school year
- Primary 1 Family Bag: from school when your child is in P1
Gaelic Bookbug Bags are also available for families interested in Gaelic.
Tactile books are available for children with additional support needs alongside their Bookbug Bags
How do I get a Bookbug bag?
Libraries, health staff and nurseries in Inverclyde work together to try to make sure that all families receive their bag. If by any chance you missed getting a Bookbug bag, then pop in to your local library and collect one.
Why read and sing with my baby or child?
Bookbug aims to help every child in Scotland develop a love of books and reading.
Sharing books, songs and rhymes for a few minutes a day will:
• Develop language skills
• Allow time for cuddling and bonding
• Help families to relax
• Boost children’s confidence
• Encourage drawing and writing
• Provide a strong start in life
About Bookbug
Bookbug is Scottish Book Trust’s national Early Years programme. A national charity, Scottish Book Trust delivers the Bookbug programme locally by working in partnership with local library and education services and third sector organisations to support local delivery of the Bookbug programme, Scottish Book Trust provides its partners with training, advice and Bookbug bags of books.
For more information about Bookbug, including resources, research, advice and tips visit the Scottish BookTrust website linked in the Other Websites section of this page.