Books at Birth!

Books at Birth helps make reading part of a child’s life from the very beginning. Through this program, the Family Reading Partnership of the Chemung Valley provides a free board book to every baby born at Arnot Ogden Medical Center, giving families a book to take home and enjoy together.

In partnership with Arnot Ogden Medical Center, RSVP volunteers, and C.I.D.S. nurses, Books at Birth reaches families during one of the most important moments in their lives. Along with their first book, babies receive a special Family Reading Partnership of the Chemung Valley onesie and a high-contrast diaper tag designed to encourage reading and interaction on the go.

The diaper tag features high-contrast pictures and words that parents and caregivers can share with their baby during diaper changes or while away from home. It is made with baby-safe ink, making it another simple way to introduce babies to pictures, words, and language throughout the day.

Each part of Books at Birth is designed to send families home with the message that reading can begin from day one. Your donation helps support the books, FRPCV onesies, high-contrast diaper tags, and other materials that we provide at no cost to families.

By supporting Books at Birth, you are helping us welcome our community’s newest readers while giving parents and caregivers tools to make reading, talking, and sharing words part of everyday life.

Every baby deserves to start life with a book of their own. Your support helps us make that possible!