Books for BC Babies is a community-based literacy program focusing on the importance of reading to newborns.  The program is one of several initiatives aimed at making British Columbia the most literate jurisdiction in North America by 2010.  Books for BC Babies seeks to improve community literacy levels using a partnership model.  The program recognizes the role that public libraries play in BC communities providing resources and programming to support infant and children's growth and development.  BC's public libraries also provide parents with the information they need for effective parenting.  Library staff are rooted in their communities and are able to connect parents with local services and resource people.

Through the program, every baby born in British Columbia will receive a book bag containing a board book, a CD and information about library and other services in their community.  Bag distribution is coordinated by the public library in each community, but other community agencies such as public health or hospital staff might be involved.  Contact your local public library to enquire about the program in your community.

Research clearly shows the importance of talking, singing and reading to newborn babies.  The Books for BC Babies program aims to create a positive association with books and the library for babies and their parents.  The public library provides parents with an opportunity to learn language-rich activities that they can do with their newborns, shows them the range of library materials they have access to, teaches them how to choose books for their baby and provides them with physical space and programs where they and their babies can socialize with other babies and caregivers.

Order Dances and Dreams at:  http://www.bcla.bc.ca/babiescd