Exciting 'First Encounter' with Books

Gangseo-gu Launches Bookstart Program for Children Under 35 Months... Library Programs for Young Children, Parents, and Grandparents Begin in Full Swing

Reading Picture Books with Your Baby

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gangseo-gu, Seoul (Mayor Noh Hyun-song) announced that it will start the Bookstart project to help infants under 35 months in the area grow up with books.

The Bookstart project is a program that supports book packages and various programs to help babies and parents build a rich relationship through books and become familiar with books from early life.

Unlike last year, this year the target participants have been expanded from under 18 months (born after July 1, 2018) to under 35 months (born between February 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018) to offer more infants their first encounter with books.

The book package consists of a bag to hold books, two picture books, a Bookstart guidebook, and a Bookstart leaflet.

In particular, the enclosed Bookstart guidebook illustrates the importance of reading aloud and effective reading methods for each stage of growth like a fairy tale, which is expected to be very helpful for novice moms and dads.

Families who want the Bookstart book package can visit the public library (Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) with a resident registration certificate and ID card.

Also, at the local community service center, after birth registration, the book package can be applied for and received immediately.

Through the Bookstart leaflet, various Bookstart-linked programs are introduced, from child development stage reading culture programs prepared by the public library to programs for parents, grandparents, and other caregivers.

A district official said, “This Bookstart project is expected to help smooth relationship building between infants and parents through the book package and serve as an opportunity to grow up with books,” adding, “We look forward to active participation from interested residents.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.