Storytime Foundation is “encouraging moments of magic” for lower income Auckland families by helping them access books to read to their children.
Their Books for Babies programme has been operating in Auckland since 1997. They work with Plunket and WellChild/Tamariki Ora providers and libraries to deliver five books to a family over the first 18 months of their child’s life.
“It is well-documented in research that reading to a child is a significant, positive element in bonding, essential to their learning development,” said Tony Culliney, Storytime Foundation CEO.
The programme is highly valued by service providers, who promote the value of reading to children. They identify families with high needs who would benefit from receiving books from Storytime Foundation. Plunket nurses deliver the books on visits to babies.
One Plunket nurse commented: “I am beside myself with pleasure when I hear from mothers saying ‘I received a library card for my baby’. It’s their baby’s very first card to take part in the community – very special.”
In September 2011, Storytime Foundation reached the milestone of giving the 50,000thBooks for Babies book to an Auckland family. Over 10,000 families have been issued books.
The Tindall Foundation is supporting Storytime Foundation with their national expansion of the Books for Babies programme.
For more information contact: Tony Culliney, CEO, Storytime Foundation
Email: tony@storytime.org.nz
Website: www.storytime.org.nz