Providing books to families

A key component of the First Read model is the free provision of a selection of appropriate books to parents of pre-school children.

The place and mechanism by which books are distributed can vary according to local context. In some instances this could occur at post-natal clinics which women are already attending. In other contexts it might be appropriate to link the provision to another setting or event that women with pre-school children are already attending, such as community based immunisations.

Other opportunities include meetings of mothers and children associated with faith based events or activities. Critically First Read allows the local context to inform the decision as what the most effective entry point for book gifting to parents and carers of young children is. This will also determine the age of children receiving books which will inform the nature and level of the material developed and provided.