GVPL Books for Babies

GVPL Books for Babies is a community-based literacy program focusing on the importance of reading to newborns. With generous support from the Steve Nash Foundation and the TD Bank Financial Group Fund, each baby born January 1, 2010 or later and residing in GVPL's service area is eligible to receive a GVPL Books for Babies kit.

Each GVPL Books for Babies kit includes a board book, a cd, a literacy pamphlet, and information about library services for children and families.

GVPL Books for Babies kits are distributed to parents on home visits from their public health nurse, midwife, or doula. Parents may also pick up the kit at their local Health Unit, a Mom & Babes group, or a full-service GVPL branch. Call 250-413-0365 to find out how to get the kit for your newborn.

The Steve Nash Foundation and TD Bank Financial Group Fund GVPL Initiative

December 8, 2009
VICTORIA – Beginning in April,2010, GVPL will provide Greater Victoria region newborns with a free kit containing a book, CD and information to support babies’ early learning and development.  Based on the former BC Books for Babies program, these kits will be distributed to approximately 2,000 families. 

 Saanich Councillor Paul Gerrard, Chair of the GVPL board is thrilled that the Steve Nash Foundation and the TD Bank Financial Group will provide funding that will cover the expense of the program. 
"Ages 0-6 are the most critical years for early development that supports intellectual growth and stimulation, and reading and singing with our children also creates a special bond between parent and child.  Steve Nash is rooted in this community, sponsoring many programs, especially for youth, and it is no surprise to me that his foundation has stepped forward to offer financial assistance.  The TD Bank Financial Group has generously matched that funding and has also committed to provide half the funding for next year’s program, and I applaud them for also recognizing the value of this program."

BC Stats estimates that 3,151 babies will be born in the Capital region in the 2010-2011 census year.  The GVPL Books for Babies kit encourages parents to read to and sing with their newborns, to support their emotional and brain development.             

GVPL Books for Babies kits will be distributed through public health nurses, midwives and doulas.  Parents may also request a GVPL Books for Babies kit from any GVPL branch.  For more information, please call 250-413-0365.