Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
It's never too soon to teach the importance of reading.
With that goal in mind, Kosciusko Literacy Volunteers of America is working with Warsaw Community Public Library to give future citizens a jump start on literacy.
Every time a baby is born at Kosciusko Community Hospital, his mother will receive an "I Read To My Baby" kit, which includes the children's book "Good Night, Sleep Tight! Shhh..." By distributing the kits, KLVA hopes to begin a tradition that leads to a lifetime of literacy.
"We're trying to enforce the idea of reading with your child - to help prepare your child to be ready to go to school," said Pat Sharp, KLVA's vice president.
The kit contains a letter to the new mother, introducing her to KLVA and expressing how important it is that every child have "the opportunity to be given the power and joy of reading."
The kit also includes a bookmark with the colorful reminder to "Shower Your Baby With Books"; a "Fun with Baby" pamphlet suggesting games appropriate for infants; and "Baby's First Library Card," which may be turned in at the Warsaw library in exchange for a mobile.
The program started a few weeks ago in conjunction with National Literacy Month. Sharp said they began with 50 kits, and anticipate giving away up to 700 a year, including some in Spanish.
Sharp said they are seeking funding from Group Dekko to help keep the project going.
For more information on helping someone learn to read, or to become a literacy volunteer, stop by the Alternative Learning Center, 1802 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw; or call 269-3721.
