Born to Read
The Born to Read initiative was created in 2017, in partnership between the Guelph Public Library and the Guelph General Hospital. Funded in part by the Friends of the Guelph Public Library, this initiative strives to introduce literacy to all infants born in Guelph. When infants are exposed to regular early literacy experiences they develop essential pre-reading skills which act as building blocks for when children learn to read.
Each new family will receive a Born to Read literacy bag which includes: 
- An environmentally friendly bag
- A board book generously donated by the Friends of the Library
- A community cook book
- A pamphlet about the importance of literacy in the first years of life
- A pamphlet about Guelph Public Library's system-wide storytimes.
- A Connections magazine
- A mock library card with membership registration instructions
- A Footprints of the Future information package
Newborn Membership Card Benefits
Newborn Membership cards are for all infants aged two and under born in Guelph, Ontario. These cards are free and grant your child access to system-wide programs that help foster pre-reading skill development. With this card, junior print materials can be borrowed and returned without any overdue fines.
Didn't receive a Born to Read Bag?
Not all babies are born at the Guelph General Hospital and that's okay! All Guelph Public Library locations have Born to Read bags available for families with children aged two or younger.
Partnerships
In an effort to expand this initiative to even more new families, we welcome new partnerships from organizations that share our values. New partnerships can be made by contacting Meg Forestell-Page.
Current Partnerships
| The Friends of the Guelph Public Library |
| The Born to Read initiative is funded in part by the Friends of the Guelph Public Library. Thanks to their generosity, the Born to Read packages are available to all newborns born in Guelph. |
|
Guelph General Hospital |
| The Guelph General Hospital has an integral role with the Born to Read initiative. Each Born to Read package is distributed to newborns and their families through the Family Birthing Unit. Inside of each Born to Read package includes information about the hospital foundation’s Footprints for the Future fundraising program. With a donation of $100 or more, the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital will engrave a footprint with the baby’s name and date of birth and display it on the birthday wall outside the birthing unit. |
| The Odyssey Elementary School |
| Thanks to our partnership with The Odyssey Elementary School, parents in the Guelph area will now be able to choose to receive a book in French and other reading resources, absolutely free of charge. |
Volunteer Opportunities
The Born to Read initiative could not thrive without the help of volunteers. There are two different volunteer positions available with this initiative:
- Pack Born to Read literacy bags at Main Library. (A, Y)
- Deliver Born to Read literacy bags from the Main Library to the Guelph General Hospital. Requires access to a personal vehicle. (A, Y)
Contact(s)