O&M and Raising Readers – A Partnership for the Books

May 3rd through May 9th is Children’s Book Week! The theme is “Reading is a Superpower” and we’re celebrating our very own super heroes: the Maine hospitals and practices who volunteer their time to participate in the Raising Readers Program, librarians, educators, parents, caregivers … AND the team at Owens & Minor in Bangor.

For 20 years the Owens & Minor team has partnered with Raising Readers and along with CDS, stores, picks, packs and delivers about 160,000 books per year. That’s roughly 600 books per day! Last year this team shipped out the program’s 3 millionth book, Baabwaa and Wooliam, by Maine author Melissa Sweet. We’re all so very proud of this milestone and we couldn’t have done it without them!

Meet Our Partners at Owens & Minor

If you’ve had a baby here in Maine in the past 20 years you’ve received a book filled canvas tote, carefully packed by super hero Emma.

“I love the “Baby’s Firsts” and so happy to be a part of the Raising Readers Program.”

Emma, O&M Distribution Teammate

Children then receive a book at each well-child visit until age 5. Before the books are shipped to the healthcare provider offices, they’re carefully packed by the Bangor team.

“Llama Llama Red Pajama” is my favorite book, because every time I see a llama, I always think of Llama Lama Red Pajama.”
– Steve, O&M Inventory Control

Raising Readers’ mission is to make books and reading part of growing up in Maine, by making sure that every child in Maine has a small library of books to call their very own. Our partners at Owens & Minor believe in this mission as much as we do. For us, every week is Children’s Book Week!

“My favorite book is “Kiss the Cow” I’ve been reading this book to my granddaughter for 4 years now. Every time she comes to spend time with Bammie, she requests this book.  Another reason why I like being a part of this program, it has a direct impact with my family.”
– Laurie, O&M Operations Manager

Watch this video to learn more about this partnership and the journey of a Raising Readers book.

Learn more about Owens & Minor!