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Raise A Reader Programs

Raise A Reader: Books for Babies

Raise A Reader: Books for Babies is a program that gives each baby born in Whatcom County a new board book of their very own.  Made possible through the generous funding of the Friends of the Bellingham Public Library and Whatcom County Library Foundation, Books for Babies gives away approximately 2,000 books annually through PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center and the Bellingham Birth Center.  Families also receive information about the services the library systems offer to support early literacy.  Books for Babies is available in English, Spanish and Russian.

Reach Out and Read Pediatric Clinic Outreach

Raise A Reader is partnered with pediatric clinics in Whatcom County that are participating in Reach Out and Read, a national organization of medical providers who provide new books to children, and “prescribe” reading during well child exams.  Raise A Reader supports these clinics by supplying children’s books for waiting rooms as well as early literacy and library information for parents.  Information is available in English, Spanish and Russian.