KEOKUK, Iowa – The Keokuk Education Association has received an Iowa State Education Association Community Outreach Grant for the eighth year to continue the popular Books for Babies campaign through 2025.
The Books for Babies campaign provides a free book with information about local library programs and parenting tips for each family of newborn babies born at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison.
According to a 20-year study led by Mariah Evans from the University of Nevada in Reno states that having as few as 20 books in the home has a significant impact on propelling a child to a higher level of education, and the more books you add, the greater the benefit.
“We want to encourage families to read together early and often. Books for Babies is a small start. We have wonderful local library services to support them,” Diane Berner, Keokuk Education Association vice president who submitted the grant application, said.
Angela Budnik, Director of Marketing & Communications, Great River Health and Monica Winkler, Director, Keokuk Public Library along with Merissa Lewiston, assisted with coordination and materials. Ashlee Barnes, Nursing Director, West Burlington Women and Family Center and Fort Madison Birthplace, and her department staff deliver the books and library information to families.
The Iowa State Education Association provides Community Outreach funds to encourage members and local associations to collaborate and create opportunities for community service or school projects. The funded projects should meet an identified need within the community, be sustainable, and help build visible foundations for deeper relationships with students, families and communities. ISEA’s mission is to “promote quality public education by placing students at the center of everything we do while advocating for education professionals.”
“We are thrilled to be able to continue this successful program with the support of KEA, ISEA, Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, Fort Madison, and the Keokuk Public Library. This is truly a community effort to improve literacy,” Berner said.
Pediatrics-Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, Fort Madison is expanding their literacy support this year by joining the national Reach Out and Read program. The pediatric healthcare team gives a new book to each child at their Well-Child Visits from newborn to age five. Supported by the Great River Health Foundation and the Keokuk Fez Club, the program connects young families with the importance of reading. The clinic is on track to provide over 4,000 books to emerging readers. The program promotes the importance of making reading a shared daily routine between caregivers and children. “The Reach Out and Read program builds on and expands literacy resources and conversations started with Books for Babies. These programs work together to build strong foundational literacy habits in our community,” said Berner.
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