Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 8, 1993 TAG: 9307080119
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: JOANNE ANDERSON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
Each newborn receives a copy of the 26-page, hardboard storybook, compliments of the Radford Women's Club and its Babies into Books program.
Susie Baldwin conceived the program after her husband Christopher Baldwin, an obstetrician at the hospital, mentioned that some mothers and mothers-to-be could not read.
Susie also had come into contact with illiteracy during her volunteer work in soup kitchens, and she decided to do something.
"The concept of the program is to emphasize that reading is important. By providing each baby with a new book, reading material may find its way into the hands of someone who would not otherwise have a book," Baldwin said.
"The book might end up in the hands of a relative or friend, and it may just have an impact in the life of one person."
While the idea was evolving, practical matters such as money to buy the books and the means to distribute them were addressed.
Club member Mary Donnelly, the daughter of artist P. Buckley Moss, offered to donate one of her mother's artworks.
The "Summer Reading" print, featuring a mother and small boy reading on an old-fashioned swing, was selected.
Matting and framing were donated by C&S Gallery of Dublin.
A committee of club members and elementary school teachers was formed to choose a book.
"The Lowly Worm Word Book" was selected for its vocabulary, bright colors and sturdy construction.
"The book is made with heavy, durable pages, reducing the potential of damage by handling or chewing, and the page thickness makes it easy for small hands to hold," Baldwin said.
Thora Jervey, president of the women's club said, "We have also contacted the Barbara Bush Foundation for pamphlets to include with the book on how to read to children and within the family."
Raffle tickets from the Moss print raised $1,000.
Carolee Bondurant, owner of Gallery Books and More, offered to sell the first 50 books to the club at a discount.
Baldwin has since made arrangements with Random House, the book's publisher, to purchase 500 at a time for close to 50 percent off the retail price.
Cleo Williams, director of obstetrics and nursery at Radford Community Hospital, endorsed the idea from the beginning.
"We've gotten real positive feedback from the parents. They say they'll remember that their baby's first book was received at the hospital," Williams said.
"On the back of each book is a Radford Women's Club sticker. Sometimes we give one of the books to an older sibling, also."
The books go into an information packet given to all new mothers on newborn care, hospital services and practical matters, like how to get a Social Security number for the baby.
The 100th book was given to Matthew Kein Scanland, born June 12 to David and Debbie Scanland of Christiansburg.
His 3-year-old sister Kallie received her own book at the hospital, too:
"The book was really appropriate because I encourage reading with Kallie," Debbie Scanland said.
"She can already read some by herself."
In the New River Valley, adults over age 25 who did not attend school past the ninth grade are 19.9 percent of the population, so a program such as this might help a youngster or adult seek help in learning to read.
"Our program is being studied by other national organizations interested in establishing one in their area," Baldwin said.
"The most challenging aspect of Babies into Books is fund raising to meet the need," she said.
"There are more than 800 babies delivered at Radford Community Hospital each year, and we intend to send each one home with a new book."
by CNB