Read to Me!

Read to Me! is a non-profit, province-wide, early reading program that encourages parents to read to their baby from the very start by providing them with a FREE bag of books.

How we help

Each Read to Me! bag contains a selection of carefully chosen, age-appropriate baby books. The books are selected by a team of experts in early literacy and early childhood development and are changed every few years. In addition to the books you'll find the Babies Love Books family reading guide, 50 Best Books for Babies booklet, and a library welcome card. The Read to Me! bag is available with books and resources in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, and Mi'kmaw. We also offer individual books in over 21 languages upon request.

Research shows that babies who are read to regularly develop the vocabulary and pre-reading skills needed for later reading success. By giving books to every baby at birth Read to Me! is nurturing new generations of Nova Scotians with strong literacy skills and a life-long love of reading. Read to Me! supports the development of emergent literacy skills, nurtures bonding and attachment and encourages families to engage in interactive, language-rich activities with their baby to help build a solid foundation for learning. 

A Read to Me! representative visits families within 24 hours of the birth of their baby to give a free bag of baby books and reading resources.  If you were discharged from the hospital before receiving your bag, you can request one by visiting our website.