WHAT
Raising Readers in Wyoming encourages parents to read to their young children by providing beautiful new books as part of the well child health care visits. Raising Readers in Wyoming is modeled after Raising Readers, a successful health and literacy program in Maine.

WHY
When parents are given “prescriptions” to read by their child’s doctor they are four times more likely to read and share books with their children. Families living in poverty are eight times more likely to follow their doctor’s “prescription”.

WHEN
Books are provided to children at their well-child health care visits or immunizations at ages 2, 4, 6, 12, 15, & 18 months and 2, 3, 4, 5 years of age.

HOW
Raising Readers in Wyoming, Inc. provides age-appropriate books. The books are chosen by a group of Wyomingites who have expertise in early childhood and/or literacy. The committee consists of a children’s librarian, two speech language pathologists, a representative from the Wyoming Reading Council, a University of Wyoming professor who teaches children’s literature, and a representative from the Wind River Indian Reservation.

Books in Spanish are chosen by a smaller group of people that includes a college instructor of Spanish. Three publishers provide 55-60% discounts on books distributed through the program

WHERE
Raising Readers in Wyoming, Inc. distributes books in all 23 Wyoming Counties. Eligible medical providers include pediatricians, family practice physicians, and county public health offices.