Originating in the UK, Bookstart aims to provide all babies, through their parents or carers, with a library bag containing a book, library membership form and information on the critical importance of developing literacy by reading to babies.

Member for Paterson Bob Baldwin polished off his reading glasses and met with the Friends of Great Lakes Library Service (FOGLLS) to commend the program on its fine work.

“Since 2006, over 1200 Bookstart kits have been distributed by child care and family nurses in the Great Lakes area which is a fantastic result.

“This will enable our children to improve their knowledge and learning skills as well as give them the best possible start in life,” Mr Baldwin said.

“The high standard of work achieved through this program is a testament to the tireless work of the members of the Friends of Great Lake Library Service,” he added.

“We are indebted to the generous support of the Great Lakes Library for this initiative as well as community support in the form of volunteering, fundraising or donations,” Secretary of the FOGLLS Margaret MacDonald said.

The next crusade of the FOGLLS is to convince the federal Government to include this program in its plans for early childhood development.

A federal investment of approximately $2.5m a year would be needed to establish a national Bookstart program and would be a cost effective way for the Australian Government to improve literacy skills.

“I will continue to work with the members of the FOGLLS to ensure that their efforts are recognised, as we continue to improve the literacy rates amongst the young in our community,” Mr Baldwin said.

New members are always welcome. FOGLLS’ first fundraiser for 2010 will be Meet the Author Susannah Fullerton on Monday February 1, 7pm at the library.