What is the Gift Book program? Beginning with Books Center for Early Literacy seeks to ensure that all children have access to high-quality books and the necessary support to know the joys and benefits of literacy. The Gift Book program offers parents the support, materials, and encouragement they need to successfully start their children on the road to reading.

How does it work? The Gift Book program distributes packets of three quality, new paperback books and tips on reading aloudto low-income families with young children. Parents also receive a coupon to take to the nearest library for a fourth free book. Parents are urged to read to their children every day and are given suggestions on how to make home storytimes more enjoyable and beneficial for children and parents.

The books are distributed through social service, health, and educational agencies serving young children and their families in southwestern Pennsylvania. Beginning with Books prepares the staff of these agencies to counsel parents when they receive the packets.

What are the benefits? A University of Pittsburgh study compared a small group of kindergarten children who had received book packets at the age of one with a matched control group. The study showed that children who had received the packet four years previously were now more likely to ask their parents to read to them every day (81% vs. 64% of the control group), and their parents were more likely to do so (55% vs. 21%). The study concluded that participants provide more literacy experiences in the home for their children, visited the library more often and provided more reading materials. Moreover, the children whose parents had received the gift packet were perceived by their teachers as having higher reading ability than children of parents who did not receive the packet.

How can I learn more? Please contact Tess Riesmeyer, Associate Director of Early Literacy Education at 412-361-8560 or email Tess Riesmeyer