The Raising Readers Welcome Baby program helps us reach new parents in Story County and from surrounding communities. Raising Readers volunteers visit parents of newborns at the Birthways unit at Mary Greeley Medical Center. The brief visits help us begin a relationship with each family. We also mention the benefits of starting early to enjoy books, and we highlight the contents of the Books for Babies gift provided to each family by Ames Public Library.
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The Ames Public Library purchases and assembles the Books for Babies materials and delivers the packets to Mary Greeley Medical Center. Every packet contains a new board book for the baby. Bags also have lists of age-appropriate books for children and resources for parents about library programs and other parenting education opportunities. The Ames Public Library contact person is Jerri Heid, Youth Services Specialist.
Families with children from birth to five years of age register with Raising Readers in Story County because they want the best for their children and want to help them be prepared for success in reading and learning. Click here to join us! We welcome people who are from other states and countries and who have varied roles such as grandparents, providers, and service group members, as well as parents.
Online benefits for all who enroll include research-based parent education and reliable information on your child's development. Families in Story County, Iowa, also receive free books for their children, enjoy reading corners in public waiting rooms, and participate in parenting workshops and fun community events for families.
