I hope everyone endorses First Library's new mission. 

Changing the way first time mothers think about reading, and library patronage, will have a lasting effect upon their child's life now and in the future.

Catherine

61% of low-income families have no age-appropriate (children's) books in their homes. 

With First Library's assistance new first time parents will be able to make reading and book ownership a priority in their child's life.  Children will receive up to 60 books while in the First Library program.

There is only one book for every 300 children in low-income neighborhoods. First born children, regardless of their neighborhood, will receive 12 times the books a year while in the First Library program. 

Children from middle-income homes have on average 13 books per child. With First Library's assistance every new first time parent will have almost 13 books a year for their first born child a year, regardless of their income. 

Parents often ask me how they can make reading a part of their child's daily life. I often say, "Make it a regular part of their lives... like television, and children will too." Many parents allow / schedule TV time. Why not schedule book time? Make it after dinner or after snack time. Children love discipline and routine. By scheduling and making reading a daily part of their lives children will look forward to the quiet and happy time books bring to their lives. 

1. Reading to baby during pregnancy helps other family members take an active role in preparing for baby.

2. Babies enjoy the rhythm of language and their parents’ voices.

3. The sound of your voice is calming and soothing to your baby.

4. Reading to your baby now will make it easy to make reading a part of everyday family life after your baby is born.

5. Reading time can be relaxing time as you anticipate your baby’s arrival. 

1. When you hold your baby and read to him, you show your baby you love him.

2. Reading time can be relaxing time. The sound of your voice is calming and

soothing to your baby.

3. Reading to your baby helps her brain grow!

4. Listening to you read, talk and sing gives your baby the words he will say some day.

5. Your baby learns the names of things when you talk about the pictures in books.

6. Books are toys for your baby at first (that she likes to chew on!). As she grows,

she learns there is a story inside.

7. The rhythm and rhyme in children’s books are like a song to your baby that is more entertaining than everyday talking.

8. Reading to your baby strengthens his emotional bonds with family members.

9. Reading to your baby now will start the tradition of reading together every day

as your child grows older.

10. When you read to your baby she is on her way to loving books!

What book have you gifted the most?

No need to ask why. They will tell you.

Happy Holidays!