Rowan Reads, a reading promotion initiative of the Rowan Public Library and the Library Foundation, has launched a new program that provides a free reading book to parents of newborn babies born at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center. The Rowan Reads to Newborns program, which began this week,  promotes research that proves reading to babies from birth to 3 months is just as important as reading to older infants and children.

“Looking at and reading books with newborns strengthens their development and lays the foundation for further learning,” says Dr. P. Scott Agbuya. “It’s a fun bonding experience for parent and child that encourages the development of crucial literacy skills.”

In addition to the book, parents of babies born at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center will receive information on how best to share reading materials with their new babies.

Newborn parents are given a tote bag filled with the high-contrast board book, which is specifically designed for birth to 3- month ages. The book has simple black and white illustrations and patterns which are easiest for newborns to see first. Parents of all reading levels are able to enjoy the book, considering there are no words and parents are instructed to simply add their own story line when reading aloud to their baby and turning the pages. Also included is a video produced by WBTV and provided by the Rowan-Salisbury School System on ways to effectively read to children. A growth chart, library card application and other materials promoting learning are included in the tote.

“Rowan Public Library Foundation is very excited to administer the Rowan Reads to Newborns program,” said Phil Barton, Rowan Public Library Foundation. “The vision of this county-wide collaborative partnership between Rowan Public Library, Smart Start Rowan and Novant Rowan Medical Center is to provide parents with early literacy tools to set their newborn on the path to reading readiness.”

Members of the Rowan Reads Committee include Karen Alexander – KKA Architecture; Jessica Ijames – Novant Health Rowan Medical Center; Todd Hildebran – Kiwanis of Salisbury; Greg Dunn – United Way of Rowan County; Jackie Harris – United Way of Rowan County; Jane Welch – Rowan Public Library; Melissa Oleen – Rowan Public Library; Phillip Barton – Rowan Public Library Foundation; Greg Alcorn – Community Member; Amy Brown – Smart Start Rowan; Mary Burridge – Smart Start Rowan; Lisa Edwards – Smart Start Rowan; and Dottie Gettinger – Altrusa Club of Salisbury.

Funding for the program is provided by an anonymous Library Foundation donor and Novant Health Rowan Medical Center. Additional support is needed. To make a donation or learn more about this program contact Jane Welch, Children’s Outreach Program supervisor, at the Rowan Public Library at 704-216-8269.