Surrey Libraries offers free Read to Baby kits in October

Read to Baby kits are available for free at Surrey Libraries branches throughout October, while supplies last. The campaign is for families with babies up to 12 months old and aims to help babies begin their reading journey and develop a love of reading from the start.

Each kit includes a baby board book, a play item and information about free programs and resources at public libraries. This year’s book is Kiss by Kiss by Richard Van Camp. Families can also sign up for library cards and explore Surrey Libraries’ free storytimes, early literacy programs, books and digital resources for children and caregivers.

“Reading with babies from an early age helps develop speech, language and pre-literacy skills that support lifelong learning,” said Chloe Humphreys, youth services manager at Surrey Libraries. Launched in 2014 and funded by community donations, Read to Baby gives families simple tools and resources to nurture those skills while creating a positive reading experience together, Humphreys added.

Along with Surrey Libraries’ October distribution, partners share the kits year-round. They include Fraser Health nurses, the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association (FRAFCA), Surrey Food Bank and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Surrey Memorial Hospital. Visit surreylibraries.ca for details.