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Literacy begins at birth. But many parents don't know that they should read to their babies. Multnomah County Library's early literacy programs educate and inform young families about the importance of early literacy.
MORE THAN BOOKS AND BUILDINGS

New parent literacy education

Librarians are helping new parents become their child's first and best teacher​.

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​Through partnerships with hospitals, clinicians, new baby clinics, home health visitors and culturally specific organizations, the library sends thousands of new parents home with vital knowledge about the importance of reading with their newborn. New parents receive engaging literacy kits, available in English and Spanish. The kit includes information about their baby's growing brain and an introduction to the library. The packet also includes a free baby book and a baby’s first library card application.

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Parents are encouraged to start reading and talking to their newborn from the day that they go home from the hospital.

RECIPIENT OF A NEW PARENT PACKET

“Your packet motivated us to read with her right from the start.” 

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