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.
How it works:
Each family will receive a Born to Read literacy bag during their stay at the Guelph General Hospital.
Every bag includes:
- An environmentally friendly bag
- A board book generously donated by the Friends of the Library
- Information about early literacy resources
- Access to Guelph Public Library’s Visiting Library Service and Toy Lending collection
- A handmade baby item from our Knitting Connections initiative
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. |
Volunteer Opportunities
The Born to Read initiative could not thrive without the help of volunteers who assist with packing and delivering Born to Read literacy bags. Apply to be a Born to Read volunteer. Please note that volunteer opportunities are limited and successful applicants will only be contacted if there is an opening.
Contact(s)