How to get the most out of every event

1. Plan ahead

Make sure you plan your event as far in advance as possible. This gives you enough time to think about how to promote it and how to get the most benefit from the publicity that it should give you. Families will remember the event and tell others, so give yourself enough time to make the event as exciting as it can be.


2. Use local celebrities

Don’t be shy about approaching local celebrities to get involved. This can help to boost the press coverage as well as making the event even more memorable for the families involved. Some schemes have had great success with this approach.


3. Get creative

Events don’t have to be limited to Bookstart Rhymetimes. You’re only limited by your imagination (and money and time, of course!).

  • You could hold a ‘reading group’ event where parents/carers could talk about their favourite books for babies and children.
  • You could invite nominations for favourite baby books and make a display of the best ones in the library, followed up with a story-reading event, reading one of the favourite books to the group each week.
  • You could hold a VIP event for local dignitaries and press with low-cost children’s party food like jelly and ice cream to talk to them about Bookstart in a fun way.

The possibilities to shout about Bookstart in your town are endless!


4. Take photos

They say a picture speaks a thousand words, and it’s true. Everyone likes to look at good photos – whether it’s your local newspaper, families using the library, children attending nurseries, or local dignitaries at their council meeting. Take photos of any and every event and send them to everyone you can think of to show them exactly what Bookstart is all about. Remember to ask people to sign consent forms so you can use their photos.


5. Tell the press

Look at writing a press release and promoting your event for more information on communicating with the press. Remember to send out press releases both before and after the event and try to make your stories as compelling as possible.

Good luck!