Reading is important, but reading to newborns is extremely important. In this day and age of technology and digital advancements, Doctors and Hospitals everywhere are encouraging now more than ever to read to your children. In an effort to help parents, Memorial Medical Center in Springfield is giving away free books to each baby born at the hospital starting in November.

Eric Carle, who is the author of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar, will have five different titles available for parents. 1,500 copies have been given to Memorial Hospital. Diane Rutlege, who is the Board of Directors for Memorial Health and Memorial Medical says that reading builds the foundation for a healthy and productive life. Rutledge previously served as the superintendent of Springfield School District. 

The books were funded by Friends of Memorial Medical Center and the titles are, “My Very First Book of Colors,” My Very First Book of Words,” My Very First Book of Numbers,” “My Very First Book of Shapes,” and “My Very First Book of Animal Sounds.”