Read to Baby
Babies are learning every day! With the right resources, every family can provide the nurturing environment their baby needs to thrive.
What is the Read to Baby program?
The Read to Baby program provides free literacy kits to Surrey families. Each kit contains:
- A baby board book
- A play item
- Information about free programs and services at Surrey Libraries
(Contents subject to change)
Read to Baby kits introduce families to the importance of reading together every day. When babies spend time reading with their caregivers, they build critical speech and language skills. And this helps prepare them for kindergarten and for lifelong learning.
How does the Read to Baby kit help?
“This is a powerful program. When children start school, we know right away when early literacy has been a strong part of their home life. Students feel more confident coming to kindergarten and start as curious, eager learners.” – Teacher
A study by the BC Library Association (2009) in conjunction with public health nurses and public librarians across British Columbia found that:
60.4% of parents who received a literacy kit read more to their babies.
91% of parents attended or planned to attend library programs as a result of receiving a literacy kit.
Read to Baby kits have a direct positive impact on family behaviour, and a long-lasting effect on a child’s ability to thrive.
Who receives Read to Baby kits?
Throughout the year, we work with partner associations to distribute kits to families in the community. Kits are made available through associations like Public Health Units in Surrey, the Tiny Bundles program at Surrey Food Bank, and the Fraser Region Urban Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association (FRAFCA).
And each October, we invite families living in Surrey who have a new baby to visit a Surrey Libraries branch to receive a free kit. One kit per family, while supplies last. See staff for details.
The Read to Baby program has been supporting local families since 2014. Our goal is to grow this program so that one day, every baby born in Surrey is gifted a Read to Baby kit – that’s almost 6,000 babies each year.
How can you help?
The Read to Baby program is made possible only with the generous support of our donors.
Join us in ensuring every family in Surrey has the resources they need to support their baby's growth and development.
Become a donor today and make a difference in a child’s life. Share the joy of reading!
Questions or would you like to know more about supporting the program?