Ninety percent of a child’s brain develops by age five, which is why reading plays an important role in brain development and lays the foundation for language and writing skills. First 5 San Bernardino encourages parents and caretakers in San Bernardino County to “gift a kid a book” to a child for any of life’s milestones.
In its second year, the Gift a Kid a Book campaign is happening now through December and promotes the importance of early literacy in a child’s development. Through ads, social media and events, the campaign is encouraging county residents to consider giving a book instead of toys or sweets.
In partnership with the San Bernardino County Museum, First 5 San Bernardino will gift free books at two upcoming community fairs: Saturday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley and Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands. Both events will have free museum entry, a pop-up bookstore with free books, Twinkle Time performance, book readings and more.
“We are so glad to be partnering with San Bernardino County Museum for these two free public events that will help families recognize the importance of reading to children,” said First 5 San Bernardino Executive Director Karen Scott. “To give our little ones the best chance at success in life which includes early learning, we want people to know that gifting a child a book is a great way to celebrate all of life’s milestones. Not just birthdays and Christmas, but their first steps, learning their ABCs, going to the doctor or just visiting grandma and grandpa!”
The First 5 San Bernardino Gift a Kid a Book campaign will be promoted by local advertisements, social media and a dedicated webpage, which showcases a list of age-appropriate books for children. Information on the community fairs can be found on Facebook here for the Victor Valley Museum and here for the San Bernardino County Museum. For more information on the Gift a Kid a Book community fairs, reading resources or the campaign, visit First5SanBernardino.org/reading. For more information about the San Bernardino County Museum, visit museum.sbcounty.gov.