“Home is a child’s first school, the parent is the child’s first teacher and reading is the child’s first subject.” -- William Raspberry

This quote sums up the rationale behind Wee Read, an early childhood literacy program sponsored by the Library, Friends of the Library and area Parents as Teachers. The program encourages parents to read to their infants and toddlers, and to use the public library’s materials and services.

Wee Read serves families with children up to three years old. While on home visits, Parents as Teachers educators talk to parents about the importance of reading to their children. The family receives a bookbag with a free age-appropriate book, tips on reading aloud, booklists and a coupon -- redeemable at the Library for another free book.

Initially funded by a federal grant, Wee Read is now underwritten by the Friends of the Library. Each year they purchase hundreds of books to give away, and Friends volunteers are always willing to pitch in to ready the bookbags for delivery by Parents as Teachers educators.