Arkansas Imagination Library believes that the journey to lifelong literacy and a love of learning should begin at birth. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight our “Books from Birth” initiative, made possible through our statewide partnership with the Baptist Health Foundation. Together, we’re working to ensure that every baby born at a Baptist Health hospital across Arkansas has access to the gift of books from day one.

About the Books from Birth Initiative

“Books from Birth” is designed to promote early literacy from the very start of a child’s life. Through this initiative, every newborn delivered at a Baptist Health hospital in Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Fort Smith, is automatically enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Before families even leave the hospital, they receive their child’s first book, The Little Engine That Could, along with information on the program and resources to support early reading at home. This special gift serves as the beginning of a five-year journey, where children will receive a new, age-appropriate book each month—completely free of charge.

This partnership with the Baptist Health Foundation not only promotes literacy but also encourages parents to start reading to their babies from infancy, helping to build strong family bonds and foster a love of books from the earliest moments of life.

Partnering with the Baptist Health Foundation

The Baptist Health Foundation has been an invaluable partner in making “Books from Birth” a reality. As one of the largest healthcare networks in Arkansas, Baptist Health’s reach extends across the state, providing us with a unique opportunity to connect with families during one of the most joyful and important moments in their lives: the birth of a new baby.

Through this collaboration, we’re able to reach thousands of newborns and their families each year, setting the foundation for future literacy and educational success. The Baptist Health Foundation’s support ensures that families leave the hospital not only with a healthy newborn but also with the tools to nurture that child’s cognitive and emotional development from day one.

The Impact of Early Literacy

Research has shown that children who are exposed to books and reading from an early age are more likely to develop strong language skills, increased vocabulary, and a deeper love for learning. The first five years of a child’s life are critical for brain development, and “Books from Birth” is designed to capture that crucial period by providing families with high-quality, age-appropriate books and promoting the importance of early literacy.

Our partnership with Baptist Health Foundation allows us to reach families who might not otherwise have access to early literacy resources, ensuring that every child, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, has the opportunity to begin their life’s story with the best start possible.

Looking Forward: Expanding Our Reach

The “Books from Birth” initiative is just the beginning. We are working to expand this program to reach even more families across Arkansas and build upon the strong foundation we’ve created with the Baptist Health Foundation. Our goal is to expand the program to additional Baptist Health birthing hospitals throughout the state, continue increasing enrollment, spreading the joy of reading, and helping Arkansas’s children develop the literacy skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Thank You, Baptist Health Foundation!

We are deeply grateful to the Baptist Health Foundation for their unwavering support and shared vision of promoting health and wellness through early literacy. Together, we are building a brighter future for Arkansas’s children, one book at a time.

If you’d like to learn more about “Books from Birth” or find out how you can support this initiative, please visit our website or contact us directly. Let’s ensure that every child in Arkansas has the chance to say, “I think I can, I think I can,” as they climb their first educational hills!