Pulaski County Public Library gives books to newborns at Pulaski Memorial Hospital

Every child born at Pulaski Memorial Hospital will get an early start on reading, thanks to a donation of books from the Pulaski County Public Library.

The library has provided 100 copies of the book Little Blue Truck for the hospital to present as gifts to newborns and their families. Little Blue Truck tells a fun, short story that parents can read with their child, and it is in a sturdy board book format so that children can hold and interact with it themselves.

Pulaski Memorial Hospital Director of O.B. Dolores Schladenhauffen, Pulaski County Public Library Executive Director MacKenzie Ledley, PCPL Systems Administrator Michael Rose, and PCPL Board Chairman Richard Mynark. (Photo credit: Pulaski County Journal)

Along with the book, parents will be provided with a brochure about early literacy and reading to their child. The guide includes helpful information on how and when to read to babies, a timetable of how babies’ interactions with books change as they grow, and examples of more books babies will enjoy.

Library director MacKenzie Ledley says that “through the books for newborns program, we hope to encourage the enjoyment of books and engagement of babies and parents in early literacy activities. As parents look for additional reading material, we hope they will seek out the services and materials provided by the Pulaski County Public Library.”

The library plans to continue this program with future gifts of books, so that every child born in Pulaski County will start off with the foundation for a lifetime of learning and reading. These gifts have been made possible through community members’ donations to the library’s Gift Memorial Fund.

The hospital and library will partner together to offer a Prenatal/Lamaze Class at the library, beginning on April 2. This free class will be taught by Julia Decker RN, Certified Lamaze Instructor. For more information, or to register, call Pulaski Memorial Hospital at 946-2193.