Programs

Volunteers assemble baby welcome packets for at-risk mothers. Each packet contains an infant book, information on the value of reading, and practical tips for a baby’s healthy development. Over 800 packets are distributed each year, through partnerships with Washtenaw County Public Health Dept. and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.

“I never knew a two-month old would listen to a book! My baby seems to actually look at the pictures!”
– New mother who received books

Parents at local Head Start programs earn free books for the whole family by reading aloud with their children ten times each month. CLN distributes 3000+ books annually through this longtime reading incentive program. Check out our Wish List of quality books for early childhood.

“My students can’t wait for the beginning of the month book deliveries. And taking home books for their siblings is a big deal for many of them. This program is great!”
-Head Start teacher

This program takes place at three correctional facilities in Washtenaw County. Volunteers work one-on-one with incarcerated parents to read a book aloud and make a voice recording. The parent’s children then receive a CD of the recording, a copy of the book, and a greeting card. In this way, books help a family “stay in closer touch”.

“This program is much more than books. It is an important connection with your loved ones. Even if you are not home with them, this give them a part of you.”
-SICT Parent

The Summer Book Program provides all Mitchell kindergarten, first, second and third graders with eight books to take home and read during the summer. The books are at an appropriate reading level and of high interest to the students so as to invite them to want to read.

“Few interventions hold such promise for narrowing the growing reading achievement gap between low- and high-socioeconomic-status students.”
-Dr. Nell Duke, Professor of Language, Literacy, and Culture at the University of Michigan

During the summer we take our Bookmobile filled with high-interest books to under-resourced neighborhoods every week for eight weeks. Kids of all ages get to choose a new book with every visit. The Bookmobile helps associate reading with summer fun and builds the home libraries of families in need.

“I love getting to pick a new book to keep every week. I always get excited on bookmobile night!”
-10-year-old resident of Hamilton Crossing