Free Books for 1-year-olds at the

Screven-Jenkins Regional Library System

through the

Assisting Childhood Education (ACE) Program

The Screven County Library, the Jenkins County Memorial Library and the Bookmobile are participating in the Books for Babies Program. All Georgia’s 1-year-olds can now receive a free book, Old MacDonald by Rosemary Wells, on or after their first birthday. To receive the book, parents should bring their child to the library or the bookmobile. While visiting the library or the bookmobile, parents can learn more about the children’s collection and children’s programming, such as storytime, offered throughout the year.

The books are provided through the “One, Two, Three” component of the Georgia Assisting Childhood Education Program (ACE).  ACE combines state government funds for books and parenting aids with the resources and services of public libraries, schools, health departments, adult education programs, hospitals and the media to encourage all families to participate in daily family literacy activities in their homes.  The first component of ACE is “Books for Babies.”  Books for Babies distribute the Read to Your Bunny book to all Georgia newborns and their families when they leave the hospital.  The “One, Two, Three” component will continue to encourage family literacy by distributing books to all Georgia 1-year-olds and their families through public libraries. ACE is supported by the Georgia Council on Adult Literacy, Georgia Mothers Association, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Family Connections, Certified Literate Community Programs, and numerous volunteers of civic, business, professional and religious groups.

The Books for Babies program has great potential for giving more Georgia youngsters a better start in life.  Books will be available at the library and on the bookmobile throughout the year.  For more information about obtaining a free copy of Old MacDonald for your 1-year-old please contact your local library.