By Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
In a collaborative effort reminiscent of a beehive, the Milton Public Library (MPL) proudly introduces the Baby Bee’s First Reads program in partnership with Halton Healthcare and Milton Community Resource Centre (MCRC). This groundbreaking initiative is crafted to provide families with tailored resources for newborns, setting the stage for a lifelong appreciation of literacy.
Focusing on newborns, MPL aims to kickstart the literacy journey from the beginning, establishing an inclusive and supportive family environment. Sarah Douglas-Murray, CEO and Chief Librarian of MPL, emphasizes early literacy’s significance, stating, “At Milton Public Library, we recognize the immense potential within our littlest library patrons. The early years are a critical period where the seeds of literacy are sown, and the foundation for a lifelong love of reading is laid.”
The Baby Bee’s First Reads program, developed in collaboration with Halton Healthcare and MCRC, offers Milton families a resource kit tailored for newborns. As families leave Milton District Hospital for home, they will receive a Baby Bee’s First Reads voucher in their discharge package to redeem on their inaugural visit to Milton Public Library. The free kit includes a variety of items such as a baby’s first library card, a reusable Baby Bee’s First Reads tote bag, the book “Where is Baby’s Belly Button?,” and multilingual books available upon request (Urdu, Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, and French).
Additional kit components include a “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” tracker and growth chart, early literacy resources from MPL and MCRC, an MPL children’s bookmark, and a guide to Halton Healthcare’s online Patient and Family Health Information Centre. Families will also receive a voucher for a free Town of Milton walking tracks trial.
Janet Skupsky, Chief Operating Officer of Milton District Hospital, applauds the program, stating, “I cannot think of a better way to kick off the New Year than with such an inspiring program – one that promotes health and early literacy and enriches lives.”
Families can access reliable health information through Halton Healthcare’s Patient and Family Health Information Centre, further supporting health literacy skills in children. The Milton Community Resource Centre’s financial contribution has made the first year of the Baby Bee’s First Reads program possible.
Becky Andrade, Executive Director at MCRC, expresses her excitement about supporting MPL’s Baby Bee’s First Reads campaign, highlighting the initiative’s role in fostering a lifelong love of reading and learning within the community.
The Baby Bee’s First Reads program officially commences on January 4, 2024, promising to bring joy, education, and literacy to the newest members of the Milton community.
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