Bookstart Around the World 1
Bookstart Around the World some observations of p
articular interest. As can be seen in the studies on the programme in the Netherlands, having libraries as the core for book gifting seems to bring challenges in involving all families. There are additional challenges in reaching the groups that have the greatest need. On the other hand, library staff provide important skills relating to children’s literature and language development. The example from the Netherlands shows that BoekStart provides a development opportunity for libraries, which becomes central for getting families to use them to a greater extent. Child healthcare services also have an important role to play in several models. The advantages include providing opportunities to reach out to almost all families, and that families often have a trusting relationship with healthcare providers. The role of preschools is often less well defined. In the case of Sweden, however, we can note that preschools play quite an important role in implementing Bokstart, and a large proportion of research also focuses on early literacy in relation to preschools rather than in the home. As is well known, a very high proportion of children in Sweden attend preschool, which makes it an important entity for Bokstart in Sweden. However, the most important aspect of interested parties involved in book giveaways is the fact that collaboration in Bookstart is paramount. Apart from Reach Out and Read, every country’s programmes are collaborative in their implementation. Research on collaboration in relation to the promotion of reading at an early age is, however, limited. It can be difficult to establish effective collaboration. In Sweden, Bokstart is characterised by effective collaboration on the grassroots level, where different professions can complement each other’s abilities. However, structural conditions are important in order for collaboration to continue. Being able to reach out to families in various ways according to their needs and local circumstances can be achieved only if the interested parties collaborate. The three entities – libraries, child healthcare services and preschools – have good opportunities for jointly establishing a continuity surrounding the message of Bokstart, which is also highlighted in the recommendations presented in the evaluation of Bokstart in Sweden. Amongst other things, it is recommended that a common assignment to promote reading should be given by government authorities to the aforementioned entities (the Swedish Arts Council, 2020). Linked to this, it is worth noting the policy directive in the USA since 2014, stating: Literacy Promotion – An essential component of primary care pediatric practice (American Academy of Pediatrics). 38/52