The Babies & Books program is designed to encourage parents in the nurturing of their infants and young children. Every parent who delivers a baby in the hospital is met by a nurse with the message that "a living, involved parent has the capacity to give a child’s life a wonderful beginning."

 Each parent is invited to view a videotape about interacting with and reading to babies and young children, select a free gift book, and receive a copy of Babies and Books, A Joyous Beginning. This booklet presents ideas about successfully sharing books with babies, toddlers and the young preschooler. The guide lists outstanding books for each stage to expand their appetite for the feast of good books that awaits them in the public library.

 In addition to meeting with the parent, the "Babies & Books" program continues with a mailed newsletter to the parents every three months for the first three years of a baby’s life. This includes topics such as specific development issues and milestones, as well as a bibliography of appropriate books to read to their children and books about parenting issues.

 The twelve-month mailing also extends a birthday party invitation for all parents and their one-year-olds to come to the annual party at the public library and receive a free birthday book. The party also includes photo sessions, a short program of finger games and age-appropriate activities and the opportunity for parents to get acquainted with others and share concerns and joys.

 Why should you read to your baby? Daily reading to children is one way for parents to establish daily rituals in their family. Often this daily ritual is the "glue that holds the family together." Perhaps Jim Trelease says it best in The New Read-Aloud Handbook: "Just when you think there isn’t enough time for the night’s reading, remind yourself how short is your daughter’s childhood. I promise you that twenty years from now, your television set will still be there, there will still be bills to pay, but I can also guarantee that twenty years from now your daughter will no longer be your little girl."

 Babies & Books is a volunteer organization, supported by generous donations from businesses and organizations in Sitka to assure literacy and success for our children. If you have questions about Babies and Books in Alaska, call Kettleson Memorial Library at (907) 747-8708, or write to 320 Harbor Drive, Sitka, Alaska 99835.

 Here are some hints and suggestions for reading to your children:

• Read a variety of books - old tales, fairy tales, poetry and riddles.
• Have a special time to read. Reading just before bedtime is a delightful way to end a busy day.
• Set aside 15 minutes a day to read, sing, talk and listen to your child. (Older children can sometimes read to you.)
• When you read to her, let your child get close to you. Hold the book so she can see. Let her pretend to read.
• Take books with you when you and your child go places. You can read to your child while waiting.
• Read books to your child when she is ill. It will help quiet her.
• Give books as presents to your children and their friends. There are beautiful picture books in the stores.
• Read books about events before they happen in your child’s life. Reading a book about kindergarten before your child goes for the first time is very comforting.
• Take your child to the library and read to her there. Talk with your child about what you are reading.