This free book-gifting program is devoted to inspiring a love of reading from a young age by sending a brand new, age-appropriate book in the mail each month to every registered child, until they turn five – with the end of December the cut-off date to enrol in the program.
The program also comes with information and advice for parents on engaging with their child while reading aloud.
A joint initiative between Cumberland City Council, Western Sydney Local Health District and United Way Australia, the early literacy intervention program is designed to help develop better educational outcomes for children.
Enrolling daughter Audra in the program when she was born 10 months ago, Trent and Brooke Sveics are thrilled with the program and its results.
Trent said his daughter seems very engaged and interested when they read the books to her and point to the pictures.
“She sits contentedly while we read and although is not speaking in English yet, is doing a lot of baby babbling,” he said with a laugh.
“We are thrilled to have this resource behind us as it’s wonderful to have such a variety of books.
“Every parent should take the opportunity to jump on board this wonderful initiative; we can’t recommend it enough.”
The program, founded by the iconic singer Dolly Parton over 20-years ago, has seen over 160 million books delivered to children in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.
For more info, contact the council’s Children Services team on 8757 9000 or visit one of Cumberland City Council’s eight libraries.
