2018 Raising Readers Annual Report

Dear Friend of Raising Readers:

On behalf of Raising Readers, we’re excited to share with you the 2018 Raising Readers Annual Report. With help from 1,600 healthcare providers at 350 participating sites, the program delivered 160,000 high-quality, developmentally appropriate books to 67,000 Maine babies and children.

In addition to getting so many books into the homes and hands of Maine families, the Raising Readers team also:

• Began offering a book at the 30-month well-child visit
• Traveled thousands of miles to meet with coordinators at participating hospitals, midwives, and doctors’ offices
• Celebrated the 5-year-old book selection, The Bugliest Bug, with Maine illustrator Scott Nash at the Children’s Museum and Theater of Maine
• Nurtured nearly 85,000 followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and Pinterest.

Annually, we work hard to ensure all Maine children receive a library of books to call their very own. We couldn’t do it without the generous funding from the Libra Foundation. Please join us in saluting the foundation’s continued generosity.

Also, we’d also like to thank you – parents, grandparents, early literacy advocates, librarians, publishing partners, early childhood educators, healthcare providers, literacy organizations, and community volunteers — for your continued dedication to Raising Readers. By supporting and promoting early literacy in Maine communities, you contribute to the program’s success. Too, you’re helping to make Maine communities happier and healthier.

Warmly,

The Raising Readers Team