Book program encourages reading from infancy on

One of the goals of the Cortland Area Communities That Care Coalition it to promote and foster programs that encourage healthy families and emphasize education. The Family Reading Partnership of Cortland County helps meet this goal with its six programs which encourage reading to children right from birth and by making books available in all homes.

The Books-To-Grow-On program of FRP works with every pediatrician and family practice office in the county. Beginning in January all doctors are enjoying full implementation of the BTGO program, with six new, age-appropriate books to be given to children at their six, twelve and eighteen months, two, three, and four years well-child visits. Just as it is important for children to visit their pediatricians for healthy growth, it is important for parents to read to their children to encourage a love of learning.

The other programs of the Family Reading Partnership are Books at Birth, Welcome to School Book, Bright Red Bookshelf, Give the Gift of Family Reading, and the Book Express. Our goal is to weave family reading so thoroughly within the community’s culture that in the same way families know to feed and clothe their children, they will also know to read to them.

All of these programs are made possible with community support and financial gifts from local organizations. 2008 contributors included the Kings’ Daughters, the Cortland Community Foundation, Ralph W. Wilkins Foundation, the First National Bank of Dryden, and the John Ben Snow Foundation.

Rishi Aeleti received his 4-year book from Dr. Cathy Zarzecki at his 4-year checkup in January. Aeleti is among the first children in Cortland County who have received books at regular checkups since birth. His next book will be next spring when he receives his "Welcome to School" book at kindergarten registration.

The poster below shows all of the books and the checkups at which they are delivered.