Library and hospital observe one-year anniversary milestone of project to benefit newborns


One-year anniversary of 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten ... Robey Memorial Library and its Foundation and Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon are observing the one-year anniversary of the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten (1,000 BBK) early literacy program. Pictured in the surrounding photos are two recent final presentations of the 2017 1,000 BBK book selection. Pictured above, left to right, are Gail Lansing, Veterans Memorial Hospital RN; Kayla Schmidt holding newborn daughter Briella; and Amy Bowden, RN, Maternity Services Supervisor at Veterans Memorial Hospital. Pictured below, left to right, are Amy Bowden, RN, Maternity Services Supervisor; Kaylin, Lindsey, Nicholas, Paul and Mitchell Deason; and Gail Lansing, RN. Submitted photos.

In an ongoing effort to promote Robey Memorial Library’s (RML) early literacy program 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten (1,000BBK), the library and Library Foundation are observing their first anniversary in partnership with Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon to reach out to families delivering babies at the hospital.

Through a generous purchase by the Robey Memorial Library Foundation, a literacy care package is gifted to each newborn, including the board book "Rock-A-Bye Baby Reader" by Carole Olson (2018 book selection), a tri-fold brochure highlighting the 1,000BBK program plus the many other programs and activities available to families at Robey Memorial Library and coupons for a library tote bag and the Library Foundation Book Sale.

"These books have been a wonderful addition to the gifts we give to our new families! We are so appreciative to Robey Memorial Library for providing these books as a means to spark a love of reading at a young age, and we look forward to continuing with this program," said Amy Bowden, OB Manager.

Ellie Krousie, the library’s Children’s Librarian, adds, “It’s never too early to read to a child. By our collaboration with the hospital we are hoping to develop the love of reading in both parent and child.”

The 1,000BBK program is a free program that encourages parents to read 1,000 books with their child before he or she enters school. Studies show that children should hear at least 1,000 books from birth to age five to build the pre-reading skills they need to succeed in school.  The program is available to everyone with a library card. Stop into the library or check out the library website, www.waukon.lib.ia.us, for more information.