Promotions for children

Throughout the year we run a number of promotions to support inititatives that encourage more children to read more. We make publicity materials available through our shop some of which are available for free and some of which need to be bought. Here are details of our current and recent promotions.

We update this page regularly so check back soon.

Booktime

Booktime is a national programme from Booktrust which promotes reading for pleasure and encourages families to read together at an important transition stage in children's learning and development. The programme provides a free book pack to every eligible child in England soon after they start primary school (aged 4-5 years), with guidance for parents and carers on shared reading.

This year "Slowly, Slowly, Slowly," Said the Sloth by Eric Carle will be given to every eligible reception-aged child. The book pack will also contain a non-fiction title, Why is the Sky Blue?, compiled by Geraldine Taylor and illustrated by Amy Schimler.

Please visit the Booktime website for more information about the programme.

Public library and school library services can register for free Booktime resource packs by visiting The Reading Agency online shop.

The order deadline is Friday 6 August.

The Booktime material is completely free, but if you participate in Booktime 2010, we would ask you to:

  • Create a Booktime display using the promotional materials
  • Make front line staff aware of the initiative and able to support people asking about the books and wider reading
  • Form partnerships with local schools e.g. by encouraging reception teachers to bring their class to the library, or by visiting the school for Booktime book gifting and story sessions
  • Run a Booktime event
  • Provide feedback for evaluation: we will be sending out evaluation questionnaires to all service points involved with the project in the autumn

Key dates for 2010

Friday 6 August 2010: You must register by this date to take part in Booktime

Early September: Resource packs are delivered to library authorities

October/November 2010: Library Evaluation

Please visit the Booktime website for more information about the programme.

Booked Up

We have once again been commissioned by Booktrust to promote Booked Up in public libraries and school library services.

The Booked Up programme gives all Year 7 children in England the chance to choose a free book from a list of specially selected titles when they begin secondary school. Booked Up's goal is to encourage reading for pleasure and independent choice.

If your library service signs up to the promotion, you will receive a free set of 13 Booked Up books for your library service points. You will also receive a pack of POS material, including plenty of suggestions for easy ways to make the most of the books. If you are a school library service, you can order one set of the books and a POS pack.

The deadline for ordering material has now passed.

The Booked Up books and material are completely free, but if you participate in Booked Up 2010, we would ask you to:

  • Service the Booked Up books for loan
  • Put up displays of the titles (see the Booked Up website for details of a great display competition)
  • Make front line staff aware of the initiative and able to support young people asking about the books and wider reading
  • Run activities in partnership with schools
  • Provide feedback for evaluation: we will be sending out evaluation questionnaires to all service points involved with the project in the autumn

Please also visit the Booked up website for more information about the books and the programme. Look out for the fantastic public library space!

Disney - Five minutes more

During the duration of the Disney - Five Minute More promotions libraries had free posters, other promotional materials and the opportunity to work in partnership with Disney staff at Disney Stores in the UK. This promotion is now closed.

Bookaboo

Bookaboo was a new series for children aged three to six, which encouraged reading for pleasure, shown on CITV. Bookaboo ran for 13 episodes from 2 March to 3 April, and featured a host of celebrities (storytime ambassadors) who met Bookaboo and help him out by sharing a story. Thirteen titles were chosen on the basis that they were fun to read out loud and both children and adults would find them entertaining.