New program lets Milton moms share love with literacy with their newborns

In the spirit of building a life-long love of reading, three Milton organizations have teamed up to make sure new moms and newborns have all the resources they need.

The Baby Bee’s First Reads program is an initiative by Milton Public Library (MPL), Milton District Hospital and Milton Community Resource Centre.

This program is designed to provide families with tailored resources for newborns, fostering a love for literacy that will last a lifetime.

“I cannot think of a better way to kick-off the New Year than with such an inspiring program, one that promotes health and early literacy and enriches lives,” said Janet Skupsky, the hospital’s chief operating officer. “Through this delightful community collaboration, Halton Healthcare can play an even bigger role in the lives and health education of our young families and newest community members.”

By focusing on newborns, Milton library looks to start the literacy journey right from the beginning, creating an inclusive and supportive environment for families.

“The early years are a critical period where the seeds of literacy are sown, and the foundation for a lifelong love of reading is laid,” said Sarah Douglas-Murray, chief librarian.

“The Baby Bee’s First Reads program will provide Milton families with a resource kit tailored for newborns, with the aim of fostering a love for literacy that will endure throughout their lives.”

As each family leaves Milton hospital, they will receive a Baby Bee’s First Reads voucher in their discharge package to redeem on their first visit to Milton Public Library that includes:

• Baby’s first Library Card
• A reusable Baby Bee’s First Reads tote bag
• “Where is Baby’s Belly Button?” book
• Urdu, Spanish, Arabic, Hindi and French books available upon request
• 1000 Books Before Kindergarten tracker and growth chart
• Early literacy resources from MPL and MCRC to support growing families
• MPL Children’s book mark
• Bookmark to guide parents to Halton Healthcare’s online Patient and Family Health Information Centre
• Town of Milton walking tracks voucher offering a free trial

“Milton Community Resource Centre is incredibly pleased to be supporting Milton Public Library with their Baby Bee’s First Reads,” said Becky Andrade, executive director at MCRC.

“MCRC and Milton Public Library share a mutual goal of supporting children and families through the provision of programs and supports that are high quality, inclusive, accessible, and affordable. By providing families with books and resources from the moment they welcome their new babies, we strengthen our community and raise awareness of the amazing resources that exist within Milton.”