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Born to Read seeks donors to support local literacy program

This year 1,100 babies are receiving their gifts thanks to support of OSMH, library, City of Orillia, Kiwanis Club, Power to Give and generous local donors
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Jennifer Mercer, Shared Services Manager for the Birthing Program, OSMH is accepting the Born to Read packages for each newborn baby.

NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA PUBLIC LIBRARY (BORN TO READ)
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Even during the COVID-19 lockdown gifts of children’s books are being given out to babies at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital.

We send a big thank you to community members who have loyally donated since 2018 so that new children’s books are given to each newborn baby. In 2018-2019, 1,200 new babies received the gift package and this year 1,100 babies are receiving their gifts.

In the past, generous donors from Orillia and area and across Canada including Power to Give, the City of Orillia and the Kiwanis Club kindly participated. In the past Staples and Impression House have assisted with printing costs.

The Born to Read committee appreciates all of the assistance of individual donors and businesses. The Orillia Public Library, Manticore Books and the nurses of Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital along with community volunteers collaborate to organize these gifts. A brochure about library membership will encourage families to discover the many creative literacy programs at the library once the lockdown ends.

For 2022 and 2023 the committee has applied for various community grants and has received some donations from individuals. In addition, the Rotary Club, Severn Township and the Power to Give have generously donated.

Early literacy awareness is an important goal for our community and will have significant benefits as children develop a love of reading and will help provide reading readiness skills ahead of elementary school attendance.

For more information and to donate, visit www.orilliapubliclibrary.ca. Click on the Donate Today icon on the top right-hand corner of the webpage, and then select Born to Read in the ‘Fund’ drop-down menu or send your donation to the Orillia Public Library, 36 Mississaga St. W., Orillia, ON L3V 3A6.

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