During the months of November and December 2019, Barnes & Noble had a book drive to collect books for Grace Health’s Reach Out and Read / Early Literacy Program. Through Barnes & Nobles’ efforts and the generosity of several community members, Grace Health received a total of 1,725 new books! The donation not only included books for the Reach Out and Read Program, but it also included several chapter books for Grace Health’s Little Libraries located in the waiting areas.
Through Grace Health’s Reach Out and Read / Early Literacy Program new, age-appropriate books are given to children 6 months – 5 years of age by the provider during the well-child visit. The provider explains to the parent/guardian the importance of reading to/with a child – linking health care to literacy. Research done by the National Reach Out and Read shows that children who are read to more often have improved language skills and listening skills. They also experience strong emotional connections with their loved ones and gain a love of reading. (www.reachoutandread.org)
Grace Health’s Reach Out and Read, Early Literacy Program started in 2004 to help patients with more than just medical concerns. Through the continued generosity of community members and organizations like Barnes & Noble, Grace Health has provided more than 54,400 books to children since the start of the program.
Grace Health thanks Barnes & Noble and all the community members who participated in the book drive. This gift of books is appreciated by Grace Health’s staff and patients. Thank you for partnering with Grace Health to provide books for the younger members in our community. Together we can make a difference!
Diane Craig, Grace Health and Tom Batterson, Barnes & Noble
