District 5000 - Literacy - Books For Newborns

The project entailed donating a "Books for Newborns" packet to local hospitals for distribution to every newborn child in the state of Hawaii. At the start of the program, each packet included a children's book, literature on the importance of reading and early brain development and a library card application.

Books for Newborns, encourages parents to read aloud to their babies, promoting the importance of reading and increased the awareness of children's literacy issues. Studies have shown that a baby who is read to has a head start in life, with an earlier understanding of language and sounds.

"Family Literacy is not only being able to read. It emphasizes the bond between parent and child. Reading strengthens vocabulary, increases imagination and builds a greater love for reading." --- Barbara Bush