Free books for children in the UK: Bookstart and libraries

You do not have to buy books to read to your children. Britain runs free programmes: babies are given their first books, libraries lend books for free, and in summer children are drawn into a free reading challenge. Here is where to get children's books for free.

Bookstart: free books for babies

Bookstart is a programme from the charity BookTrust that supports family reading from the earliest age. It runs across England (as well as Wales and Northern Ireland) and includes books, resources and activities for children at different stages. There are also special packs for children with additional needs and for families where English is an additional language. To get a pack, ask your health visitor or your local library.

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The library: books and internet for free

The public library is the main free source of books. As gov.uk states, libraries provide free access to reading and learning materials, free internet access, study space and community activities. You can register your child and take books home for free; many libraries also offer ebooks and audiobooks. A postcode search on the council's website helps you find your nearest library.

The summer reading marathon

The Summer Reading Challenge is run by The Reading Agency with public libraries: every summer children sign up at their local library, read books of their choice and earn stickers, badges and a certificate. You can join online or at the library — the child gets a collector folder and gathers rewards for the books they finish. It is free and a great motivation to read over the holidays.

What else is free for reading?

Libraries regularly hold free storytime and rhymetime — reading aloud and songs for little ones, which you attend at no cost. They can also tell you about Bookstart and other local programmes. And for families learning English, free children's books and bilingual materials are a good way to practise the language together with your child.