Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing, today unveiled the new Bookbug app. Kate Forbes MSP, Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy, helped launch the new digital platform at the St Francis Community Centre in the Gorbals, Glasgow. Local families, key stakeholders and early year practitioners were encouraged to try the new app during the event after enjoying a Bookbug Session.
Free digital platform supports families and practitioners
Scottish Book Trust received a grant from the Scottish Government to develop and deliver a digital strand to the Bookbug programme for parents and practitioners. The Bookbug app project began in June 2017, with the aim of sharing the benefits of Bookbug with more families across Scotland. The app is another way for families across Scotland to access the benefits of the Bookbug programme and help families fit songs and rhymes into their day-to-day routine.
With the help of Bookbug practitioners and families across Scotland, Scottish Book Trust co-created a new Bookbug app full of songs and nursery rhymes to ensure it met their needs. The app will also allow families to find their nearest Bookbug session.
From today the new Bookbug app will be available to download for free from the App Store and Google Play.
Bookbug App Features
· Offline app functionality: Connectivity is a big issue for many families and practitioners. Scottish Book Trust has ensured content is downloadable so the app will work offline, ensuring Bookbug can be accessed by everyone.
· Library of songs and rhymes: Users of the app can listen to their favourite songs and rhymes, learn the words and actions or just dance along. Song and Rhymes will also be available in Scots and Gaelic.
· Personalised playlists: Users will be able to personalise content and build their own song and rhyme playlist (for up to five different users). Great for practitioners planning Bookbug Sessions or different members of the family.
· Find a Bookbug Session: Using geo-location or by inputting their postcode, this feature helps families find their nearest Bookbug Session, so that they can enjoy a session with other families at their local library or community venue.
· Categories: Songs are categorised to enable families to find suitable songs and rhymes to share with little ones at different times of day.
· Instrumental versions: This feature allows users to sing along in their own language, or listen to an instrumental version of their favourite song or rhyme.
· News: Information about the Bookbug programme will also be available for parents, carers and Early Years practitioners.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said:
“We’re excited to launch the new Bookbug app as part of Scottish Book Trust’s wider digital strategy and our aim to be a digital leader in our field. We trust the app will become a well-used aid for families and the Early Years professionals who support them, building on and amplifying all the good Bookbug already does. Our thanks to Dubit for working with us to create this fantastic digital platform, which should be an asset to every parent and EY professional in Scotland.”
Kate Forbes MSP, Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy, said:
“I’m delighted to see the Bookbug app launched. This is an exciting and pioneering project that encourages an early love of song and rhymes amongst children. It also provides a great opportunity for parents and their wee ones to spend time together, having fun and learning. The app makes the valuable benefits of Bookbug available to even more families across Scotland.”