Books for Newborns

Books for Newborns fulfills our mission by providing developmentally appropriate books and reading encouragement to low-income families at the time of a child's birth, which builds a foundation of knowledge and literacy in children when it is needed the most. Getting books into homes of babies can also be the first step in creating an interest in reading by the whole family. This includes the parents, siblings, and other adults involved. Books for Newborns is a program that can be the spark that ignites a love of reading. This love can help create pathways out of poverty and struggles many low-income families face generation to generation.

The goal is to get a bookbag filled with five, new books to be used in the first four years of a child's life and a card which encourages holding the baby, engaging with the baby, and exploring the wonderful world of reading together. Partner agencies distribute the bookbags at their organizations and hospitals. By partnering with area hospitals and organizations that work directly with mothers at the time of their child's birth or at some point before the age of one, we can get these reading resources to the family when it is most useful and can produce a lasting impact.

Enthusiastic support for our initial program continues to lead to new partnerships and book donations which has allowed us to extend books and reading encouragement to older siblings and other school-age children.

Books for Newborns is run by an all-volunteer staff and Board of Directors. Each dollar raised goes toward books, bags, and cards that are delivered to our partners and given to families.