raising readers…
- Is an ambitious effort conceived by the Libra Foundation to foster a love of reading, improve literacy among babies and young children, and ultimately, improve the health and educational outcomes of Maine children. Now in its 12th year, raising readers has distributed more than 1.7 million books to more than 190,000 Maine children.
- Books are distributed at birth and at subsequent well-child visits with healthcare providers when physicians and nurses give out the books and discuss with families the importance of reading.
- Promotes reading aloud to all Maine children ages birth to 5 years. We provide Family Practice and Pediatric providers new books to give at well child visits from 2 months to 5 years. For newborns, raising readers gives books in canvas totes to Maine hospitals, birth centers, midwives, and adoption agencies.
- Is available at no cost to all health care providers in Maine who see children between the ages of birth and 5 years. All hospitals with birth services, and virtually all Maine doctors who see children under age 5 participate in the program.
- Is part of birth and primary care in Maine, no sign up is required.
- Is a community partnership and works with other child health and community literacy initiatives.
- Is a collaboration of Maine's two largest health care delivery systems, MaineHealth and EMHS.
- Is generously funded by the Libra Foundation.
Ask your doctor about raising readers!
