SURREY Libraries on Wednesday announced a new partnership with Surrey Memorial Hospital (SMH) to support families with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The Gentle Start Library project provides each of the NICU units at SMH with a collection of board books, giving families access to engaging literacy activities for all ages during their stay at the hospital.

This initiative aims to share the joy of early literacy and foster a sense of belonging for families as they look ahead to life after the NICU.

“Surrey Libraries is committed to supporting our youngest residents and their families,” said Lisa Werring, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Surrey Libraries. “By bringing books and library services directly to the NICU, we are helping parents nurture their babies’ development from day one. This partnership is a testament to the power of community collaboration and we are thankful to our donors whose support made this project possible.”

In addition to small collections of board books in each NICU room, the Gentle Start Library features a roaming cart to provide many extra books for older siblings and books in other languages, allowing rooms to be customized and updated according to families’ specific needs. Library staff will also provide outreach, lead early literacy classes for caregivers, and create baby’s first library card.

Surrey has one of the highest birth rates in BC, with an average 6,000 babies born annually and a large population of children and youth. This program responds to the growing need for early literacy support and aims to create a welcoming and caring environment for families facing the stressors of a NICU stay.

Funding for this project was made possible through generous Surrey Libraries donors.