Robey Memorial Library and Library Foundation partner with Veterans Memorial Hospital to benefit newborns
Robey Memorial Library and its Library Foundation are partnering with Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon to gift a literacy package to each baby born at the hospital. Pictured above, left to right, are: Diane Allison, OB Supervisor at Veterans Memorial Hospital; Amy Bowden, OB Manager at Veterans Memorial Hospital; Ellie Krousie, Robey Memorial Library Children's Programming Coordinator; Cate St. Clair, Robey Memorial Library Director; Kristin Kopperud-Stinn, Library Foundation Board Trustee; Carolyn Vogel, Library Foundation Board Trustee. Submitted photo.
In an effort to promote Robey Memorial Library’s early literacy program, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, the library and Library Foundation have partnered with Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) in Waukon to reach out to families delivering babies at the hospital.
Starting January 1, a literacy care package will be gifted to each newborn at Veterans Memorial Hospital, including the board book, "Read to Your Bunny" by Rosemary Wells that was generously purchased by the Robey Memorial Library Foundation Board.
“This is a great gift from the library to give to each of our families delivering at VMH,” states Diane Allison, Obstetrics (OB) Supervisor at VMH. “The books are beautiful, hard cover books and include some nice coupons for a library tote bag and even the monthly library book sale. I am sure each family will really enjoy them.”
A tri-fold brochure also included in the package highlights the many programs and activities available for children and families at the library. "I have always enjoyed reading, and spent a lot of time checking out books at my local library as a child,” adds Amy Bowden, OB Manager at VMH. “Giving a book out to each family will help jumpstart a love of reading books for these children, and they will enjoy spending time picking out their books and participating in all the great programs our local library has to offer."
Robey Memorial Library's 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a free program that encourages parents to read 1,000 books with their child before he or she enters school. “Our goal,” says Ellie Krousie, Robey Memorial Library’s Children’s Programming Coordinator, “is to get families reading together right away, taking their time and enjoying the experience. It’s never too early to read to a child. By us working with the hospital we are hoping to develop the love of reading from infancy.”
Studies show that children should hear at least 1,000 books from birth to age five to build the pre-reading skills they need to succeed in school. The program is available to everyone with a library card. Everyone is invited to stop into the library or visit www.waukon.lib.ia.us for more information.
