Image courtesy of the Milton Public Library
The Milton Public Library (MPL) is expanding its Baby Bee’s First Reads early literacy initiative, ensuring the program will continue supporting local families for the next two years.
Delivered in partnership with Halton Healthcare (HHC) and the Milton Community Resource Centre (MCRC), the program has reached more than 200 Milton families since launching in January 2024. With MCRC’s renewed commitment, Baby Bee’s First Reads will now be available to all Milton families welcoming a newborn through 2028.
The initiative introduces families to books, early literacy and community supports from birth. Families are first introduced to the program at the hospital through Halton Healthcare, with ongoing connections to resources provided by MPL and MCRC.
“Early literacy is a foundation for a child’s future success,” says Sarah Douglas-Murray, CEO of Milton Public Library. “Through this shared effort with Halton Healthcare and MCRC, we are welcoming families into the library from the very beginning and ensuring every child in Milton has access to books, resources and community support right from birth.”
Each free Baby Bee’s First Reads kit includes a baby’s first library card, a reusable tote bag, the board book Where Is Baby’s Belly Button?, multilingual book options upon request (Urdu, Spanish, Arabic, Hindi and French), a 1000 Books Before Kindergarten tracker and growth chart, early literacy resources and guides to community supports, a children’s bookmark and a Town of Milton recreation voucher.
Learn more about the program here.
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