St. Michaels Hospital and Toronto Public Library have recently partnered in Reach out and Read, a program that brings together librarians, doctors, books, book bags and families living where poverty rates are high. Based on a Boston pediatric model to improve literacy, families coming for well-baby checkups are given a prescription to read that includes literacy materials, library card information and a book for the child.
In Winnipeg, The READ (“REsidents for ReADing”) program is a similar initiative at Winnipeg Children’s Hospital and receives support from Winnipeg Public Library. Pediatric residents advise parents about the benefits of reading aloud, give children a book to keep, and encourage use of the public library; including distribution of a voucher to redeem for a free book from the library.
Join us to explore how this can be replicated at your library along with the possible evolution of this program at the Provincial level.
Learning Outcomes
Early literacy skills are linked to later academic performance
The medical community and public libraries are natural partners in ensuring the health of our children
How public libraries play an essential role in the well being of the community.
