Many early literacy programs are aimed specifically at children, and focus exclusively on reading 1,000 books. Our program seeks to activate the pair — parent and child together — around not only reading, but talking, singing, writing and playing. Grow a Reader is a tool that empowers parents to adopt the mindset that building literacy skills can happen in line at the grocery store, in the car and in all sorts of places with or without books.

As an alternative to more traditional “prizes,” upon registration for Grow a Reader, parents are given a set of durable cards arranged on a keychain that can be clipped on a stroller, diaper bag or anywhere else that’s convenient for use on the go. These cards provide appealing images and suggested activities that parents can use to talk, sing, read, write and play with their children. For every 100 books logged, an additional activity card is given, and the child’s name appears on our community wall.

Almost 300 readers have logged over 17,000 books. Our community wall Is the source of pride for not only for participants, who often take pictures of their children’s name or hold up their infant in front of the display, but also the rest of our patrons who can enjoy watching our youngest residents as they read more and more books and continue to grow. In August, we’ll host a reception for all registered participants in order to build on that sense of community and recognize that we’re all part of one growing ecosystem.