Randolph library Friends, Partnership for Children, launch ‘Books for Babies’ campaign

Shannon McCrary and Frances Jones display the contents
of the Randolph Books for Babies kit.

ASHEBORO – Every one of the 800 children born at Randolph Health (formerly Randolph Hospital) each year will get a jumpstart on reading as “Randolph Books for Babies” swings into action on May 31.

An initiative of the Friends of the Randolph County Public Library and the Randolph Partnership for Children (RPC), the project is aimed at acquainting parents of newborns with the important role they play in their babies’ brain development, and introducing parents to the resources available at their public libraries.

“Reading to babies contributes to the development of their growing brains and gives them a good start towards a lifelong love of reading and good literature,” says Dr. Frances Jones, incoming Friends president.

“When you read to babies it helps speech development as they are taking in information and beginning to learn about speech patterns.”

Jones initiated and developed the project with RPC Literacy Specialist Shannon McCrary and hospital officials.

Trained volunteers will deliver specially designed Randolph Books for Babies kits to newborns’ families at Randolph Health. The kits, packaged in a useful tote bag, will include:

· a board book for the baby;

· a children’s “My First” library card;

· a handmade reading blanket crafted locally by church groups and other volunteers;

· a schedule of storytimes at the seven branches of the Randolph County Public Library and other library information;

· a bibliography of books available at the library that are suitable for each stage of the babies; development from 0 to five months;

· early literacy information from national education associations;

· information about safe sleep from the Randolph County Health Department.

Jones raised almost $10,000 in contributions for the project’s first year. Donors include RPC, the Acme-McCrary and Sapona Foundation, Chris and Stacy Griffin, William and Dr. Frances Jones, Friends of the Library, the Kiwanis Club of Asheboro, and the Sorosis Club of Asheboro.

Fundraising efforts for year two and beyond are underway; for information about making a contribution or further information about the program, call 336-318-6814.