The hope is that an early introduction to books will give a child the first step on the road to literacy.

This initiative was introduced January 1, 2010 by a small committee of volunteers from Friends of the Library groups in the County to provide a free board book, book bag and CD to every new baby in the County as a way of encouraging language development and literacy skills in the early years

A gift card for a free board book and CD is available to each new baby in Prince Edward County, with an invitation to visit any branch of the library to collect the Books for County Babies package.

The baby will be registered in the program and will be given a library card.  Reading to a child creates a bond with the parent and helps to develop language and listening skills. This helps the child learn to speak, which in turn develops skills for learning to read. 

 

Program founders Pat Coroy and Terry Armstrong, Program co-ordinator Anne Marie Jones, Library youth services co-ordinator Liz Zylstra and County of Prince Edward Public Library CEO Barbara Sweet.

For more information, drop by  any branch of the County of Prince Edward Public Library, or contact Terry Armstrong (613 393-2298, terrybarm@sympatico.ca).