A child’s brain doubles in size in their first year with 90% of brain development happening before age five. Reading to babies boosts cognitive and language development, strengthens the caregiver-child bond and builds a foundation for future literacy skills. It exposes babies to new words and sentence structures, stimulates their brains and creates a sense of security through a soothing, shared activity.
Between the rising cost of books and federal budget cutbacks for partner organizations, the reach of this program is limited. With your help, we can continue this important work. Every $100 donated for KDL Books for Babies puts a baby board book and valuable library resources into the hands of 30 families with newborns. Together, we can inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning in our community's children.
How does “Book for Babies” work?
KDL selects baby board books that are picture-based, bi-lingual or offered in a variety of languages as the focal point of the program. These books are the first point of contact for many families, introducing them to Mama Bear & Baby Cubs Support Group, Babytime, One Thousand Books Before Kindergarten and more. These programs provide invaluable support and social connections for newborns and their families.
We partner with organizations like Cherry Health, Vibrant Futures and U of M Health West to help get the books and materials to new families. These in-person visits strive to reach families that are uninsured or underinsured. Besides providing the books, they provide other information, services and follow-up visits to help families and their babies in this first critical year of life.
Give today to help us reach more families.
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