Tuscarawas County Public Library grows Books for Babies trust to deliver newborn reads

The Tuscarawas County Public Library System is continuing its efforts to support early childhood literacy by providing books for babies through its First Steps for Literacy: Books for Babies Trust Fund. The fund was established in 2008 by former New Philadelphia resident Betty Lou Honaker to provide books each year to newborns in Tuscarawas County.

The initiative is part of the library’s broader work to promote literacy from an early age so children have the tools they need for a strong start. According to the Association for Library Service to Children, learning to read begins before children start school; from infancy, children build language and other skills that support reading. Developing early literacy skills makes it easier for children to learn to read once they begin school.

This year, the library purchased 628 books for families with newborns, including 150 bilingual titles. About 300 books have been delivered to Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital, with more to follow.

“We have a wonderful partnership with Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital,” said Mary Smrek, children’s services manager. “This year, we were able to provide more books than last year, and, with future donations and growth of the fund, we hope to give away even more books in the coming years.”

The trust was created to sustain the project long term. Each year, 90 percent of the interest income is used to buy books for newborns, while the remaining interest and the fund’s principal are reinvested for future years. “The library’s continued effort in early literacy not only honors Betty Lou’s legacy through the books given to newborn families, but also supports early literacy in Tuscarawas County through the library’s programming and essential literacy resources,” Smrek said.

For information on donating to the First Steps for Literacy: Books for Babies Trust Fund or to support other library projects, visit www.tusclibrary.org/support or contact Director Michelle McMorrow Ramsell at 330-364-4474, ext. 237.