Mid-Columbia Programs

BOOKS FOR BABIES

Books for Babies provides a new board book, early reading information and a 'Read To Me" baby bib to each new mother after the birth of a child at local hospitals. Fluor Corporation has sponsored this program since its inception in 1996. Participating hospitals are Kennewick General Hospital in Kennewick, Kadlec Medical Center in Richland, and Lourdes Medical Center in Pasco.

McDonald's Summer Reading Challenge

Beginning June 12 and continuing until August 16, three local McDonald's restaurants host children's story time once a week. Story times begin at 1 p.m. and feature different themes and guest readers each week. Ronald McDonald will read with children during the first week (June 12,13,14) and last week (Augist 14,15,16). Children who document reading ten books during the previous week can earn a free McDonald's Happy Meal.

Scheduled for summer 2007:

Tuesdays - Kennewick McDonalds, Kenewick Avenue & Hwy 395
Wednesday - Pasco McDonalds, Court Street
Thursdays - Pasco McDonalds, Road 68

Note - No program Wednesday, July 4

La Clinica Outreach

Children in families using Community Health Center La Clinica's Women's, Infants, and Childrens (W.I.C.) clinic receive a free new book during each monthly visit. Parents receive information on the importance of early reading.

Benton-Franklin Health Department Home Health Outreach

Children in families visited by a Health Department Home Health Nurse receive a free new book with each monthly visit. Parents receive information on the importance of early reading.

New Teacher Libraries

First time classroom teacher in grades K-3 working in local schools receive a free classroom library of 100 books. This program is supported by QWest Communications in Franklin and Walla Walla Counties and by local Rotary clubs in Benton County.

Moms & Muffins

"Moms & Muffins" programs provide story time for children and their information to mothers at local apartment complexes. Mothers also receive information on reading techniques and the importance of early reading. This program is supported by Starbucks.

Mid-Columbia Childrens Picture Book Writing & Illustrating Contest

This annual competition is open to children sixteen (16) and younger who write and illustrate an original picture book for children birth to age ten. The competition opens in September each year, with entries due in January of the following year. Winners are announced in April, with a grand prize of $250.

This competition is suported by Barnes & Noble Book sellers (Columbia Center) and Clearwire Wireless, and is an affiliated event of Lit Fest.

Summer Reading with the Sun Mart Reading Van

MCRF Summer Reading Programs target children who attend schools with reading scores below desired district targets and who are less likely to access summer reading programs at local libraries.

The Sun Mart Reading van, along with MCRF staff and volunteers hold weekly reading programs at targeted apartment complexes and other locales, where children are read with and participate in reading-related activities. Locations are also provided with a lending library that children can access during the summer.

This program is supported by Sun Pacific Energy and their Sun Mart Stores.