Brighton Library Launches Early Literacy Program for Livingston County Parents

The is teaming up with the Livingston Department of Public Health and the Pregnancy Help Clinic of Brighton to offer a new early literacy program called the Sandy Schneidewind Books for Babies Project.

The program focuses on the important role parents play in the development of their children. Participants will be receive a kit that includes a colorful baby board book (made of shiny, durable cardboard), a bib, reading tips, early literacy information and an invitation for a private tour of the Brighton District Library.

The Books for Babies Project was created by the library staff in memory of Sandy Schneidewind, a dear friend and colleague, according to Carla Sharp, Head of Youth Services at the library.

"Early literacy has always been a very strong component of what we do here at the library," she said. "And when Sandy passed away, she had been involved with our Baby Garden program, which is early literacy with reading to infants from birth on. We wanted to do a memorial for her in some way, and we thought this would be a good way to do it to remember the good work she did with that age group."

Sharp said the program honors Sandy’s love of children and highlights the importance of reading to a child from birth.

"All the research shows that it's important to start to read to your child right at the very beginning, at birth," Sharp said. "Some people actually read stories to their children while they're in utero. I don't know if there's too much proven by that, but they do it."

Books for Babies kits will be given to the Livingston Department of Public Health programs Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Clinic for newborns, and the Nurses Welcome Newborns program. The kits also will be available to parents enrolled in the Pregnancy Help Clinic’s Earn While You Learn program, which provided mentoring in a series of parenting and life skills, including infant care, safety, bonding, nutrition and early literacy.

Ann O'Reilly, Director of Community Outreach at the Pregnancy Help Clinic, said her clients absolutely love the kits.

"It has been a wonderful thing for our clients and their children," she said "It's such a great addition for our clients who have been through the program. It was something fresh, something new, and immediate because they get the books right now. They made it really impactful for our clients."

The Brighton District Library purchased the kits, already made, from a division of the American Library Association called the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundation.

Books for Babies is funded by donations from the Friends of the Brighton District Library, the Library’s Stroll Around Town fundraiser, VG’s Community Share program, Borek-Jennings Toys for Tots library endowment program and private donations.

Tips for early literacy

• Talk, sing and tell nursery rhymes to your baby. Babies bond with you and learn language skills through these activities.
• It is never too early to begin sharing books with your baby. Your baby will love sharing books with you.
• Show your baby the book and point to the pictures. Hold your baby close and comfortable when sharing books. Keep reading time short, 5 minutes is enough at first.
• Look for chances to read. Pack books in your diaper bag when you go for an appointment. Waiting time can be book time.
• Talk in a fun and excited voice. Tell a story about the pictures that get your baby's attention. Stop when your baby loses interest.
• Let your baby drool on, play with, and chew the book. Board books are made for this.
• Change television time to book time. Your baby needs contact with you and other loved ones.
• Visit the Brighton District Library. The staff would love to help you select books for you and your child.

To learn more about, or contribute to this project, call the Brighton District Library at 810, 229-6571.