It’s Never Too Early: Hatchlings Program Reaches Expectant and Newborn Families

Abstract

Just twenty years ago, library programs for babies were rare occurrences, and many librarians were uncomfortable with the idea of presenting programs for children under age three and their caregivers. Now, research regarding the connection between early childhood experiences and brain development is widely known, and as a result, early literacy programming for infants and toddlers is an accepted part of mainstream library offerings. 

But why only start there? Research also tells us that a fetus can hear a mother’s voice while still in utero, and supports the Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR) practices of talking and singing even before the baby is born. That’s why children’s librarian Carrie Sanders dreamed about creating a program for expectant parents.