Kāpiti Coast District Libraries have launching a new programme to encourage reading by providing a new board book to every baby born on the Kāpiti Coast, along with brochures promoting library services and resources. The Books for Babies kit will be delivered to new mums by their mid-wife.
“We are pleased to be offering this new service,” said Leslie Clague, District Libraries Manager, “because reading skills can be developed from a very early age.”
“Parents can use cuddle time to introduce the book, helping baby learn how to focus their eyes and how to turn pages, all part of learning about the magic of reading and books,” Mrs. Clague said.
The Books for Babies kits will go to approximately 500 newborns each year on the Kāpiti Coast. Penguin Books provided black and white board books, designed for babies to the age of six months, at a discounted price for this new programme.
The accompanying brochures will give parents the opportunity to sign up their children as library members, as well as supply advice on reading with baby. Pre-school story time schedules are also listed. Books of interest to parents on parenting and child care are in a separate flyer.