Taylor Swift and Scholastic Inc. Book Donation SupportsReading Hospital Reach Out and Read®

Thursday, January 17, 2013

The Child Health Center at Reading Hospital is receiving 2,000 books for its early literacy program through a donation from international superstar Taylor Swift and Scholastic Inc., the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books and a leader in educational technology and children’s media.

Swift, a Wyomissing native who was born in the Reading Hospital, donated 15,000 books through the national school readiness initiative Reach Out and Read®, and requested the donation be divided between children in her home state of Pennsylvania and her country music home of Tennessee. The donation is part of Scholastic’s global literacy campaign, Read Every Day. Lead a Better Life. 

Reach Out and Read®, a national program brought local, promotes early childhood literacy by bringing new books and information about the importance of reading aloud into the pediatric exam room. At The Reading Hospital’s Child Health Center, each child (ages six months to five years) receives a new, developmentally and culturally appropriate book to take home and keep during their well-child visit. Over time, children can receive up to 10 books for their home library.

In addition, Pediatricians advise parents on the importance of reading aloud with their young children, and provide them with developmental guidance and tips on how to incorporate reading into their daily routine.

The waiting room also provides an opportunity for a literacy-rich environment. Volunteers donate time to sit and read aloud to children while they wait for their appointment, serving as a model of good reading habits. Gently used books are also available for children of all ages to read and take home, and are displayed on an easily accessible book shelf.

The program is currently in need of gently used children’s book donations and volunteer readers for the waiting room. 

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