Parents at local Head Start programs earn free books for the whole family by reading aloud with their children ten times each month. The FBC distributes 3000+ books annually through this longtime reading incentive program. Check out our Wish List of quality books for early childhood.
This program takes place at Washtenaw County Jail and Milan Federal Prison. Volunteers work one-on-one with incarcerated parents to read a book aloud and make a voice recording. The parent’s children then receive a CD or audiotape of the recording, a copy of the book, and a greeting card. In this way, books help a family “stay in closer touch”.
The FBC brings story hour – complete with books, songs, fingerplays, crafts and snacks – to children in low-income neighborhoods. Families who attend Storytime on a regular basis get to pick out free books. If you would like to volunteer as a Storytime leader or helper, contact Diane at dsaulter@familybookclub.org or 734-645-1320.
Volunteers assemble baby welcome packets for at-risk mothers. Each packet contains an infant book, information on the value of reading, and practical tips for a baby’s healthy development. Over 600 packets are distributed each year, through partnerships with Washtenaw County Public Health Dept., Catholic Social Services and Michigan Visiting Nurses.
Doctors and nurses at low-cost health clinics give pediatric patients a prescription to “Read Every Day” and let them choose a book to take home.
