The Valley Children’s Literacy Program, otherwise known as "George's Book Club," promotes and encourages children in Central California to become lifelong readers.
Did you know? Statistics show that young children who were read five books a day, enter kindergarten having heard about 1.4 million more words than kids who were never read to.1
While children who are read to may get a head start in language and literacy skills, those who weren’t may experience reading difficulties. Reading difficulties and illiteracy contribute to school failure, increasing absenteeism, school drop-outs, juvenile delinquency, increased crime, teen pregnancy, drug use and other problems that impact our community. Studies show the easiest way to increase literacy among pre-school and school age children is to simply read to them.
Doctors and medical staff at Valley Children’s talk to families about the importance of reading and patients receive a book each time they visit participating practices to encourage at-home reading.
Valley Children's medical librarians Brian and Michele deliver joy to children in the hospital with George's Book Club book cart.
1https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190404074947.htm
Ways to Give to George's Book Club
To help share the importance of reading, George's Book Club accepts donations to support the program, both financial or in the form of new books. We cannot accept used books, due to infection control policies.
For more information on George's Book Club, please contact Brian Baker, Library Services Program Manager and Literacy Program Coordinator, at 559-353-6170 or bbaker@valleychildrens.org.