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Washington, D.C. — On Tuesday, September 28, Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) read books to pre-school age children and discussed the importance of child literacy at as part of the Reach Out and Read program at St. Barnabas Hospital. Reach Out and Read is a nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy by using pediatric exams as an opportunity to provide books to children and advise parents on the importance of reading aloud.
“Not only does reading set the framework for learning, but it also spurs creativity and empowers children,” said Congressman Crowley. “The simple practice of reading aloud helps children develop critical literacy skills and can spark an interest in reading that can last a lifetime. As a parent of three young kids, I not only understand how important reading is to a child’s future, but I enjoy reading to my children as a way of spending time together.”
Reach Out and Read is a national evidence-based school readiness initiative that promotes literacy and language development in infants and preschoolers, targeting children and families living in poverty and under-performing school districts.
St. Barnabas Hospital is one of nine sites in the 7th Congressional District that participate in Reach Out and Read programs. Across the state of New York, Reach Out and Read serves over 33,000 children and provides over 500,000 new books annually. A champion of education and literacy programs, Crowley has advocated for Reach Out and Read by supporting federal funds for the program.
“Reach Out and Read gives parents the skills to set their child on the path toward a successful education, all while building enthusiasm for reading amongst children,” said Crowley.
Congressman Crowley is the six-term representative from the 7th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx.
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