Youngsters at Elmhurst Hospital’s pediatric unit received free books during a recent visit and even got to hear stories read from a special guest – Congressmember Joseph Crowley.
Crowley, who represents parts of northwest Queens, read three books to the children on Wednesday, August 26 as part of the Reach Out and Read campaign at Elmhurst Hospital.
Reach Out and Read is a national program where doctors and nurses teach parents about the importance of reading aloud and give children ages six months to five years free books when they come in for a doctor’s visit.
“The parents love getting the books for their children and the children are really excited leaving the exam room with a brand new book,” said Traci Lester, Executive Director of Reach Out and Read of Greater New York. “It strengthens the parent-doctor relationship, and I think it enhances the pediatric visit.”
During Crowley’s visit, he read the children David Gets in Trouble, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, and asked the kids questions while he was reading. Many of the children responded enthusiastically, jumping up and down wanting to answer the questions.
“[I want to] put them at ease, encourage them to read and also encourage them to enjoy what they’re doing, and that’s what I try to invoke to them when I’m reading,” Crowley said.
Currently, Reach out and Read is in place at 11 sites in Queens and serves more than 14,000 people. Through the program, youngsters can begin kindergarten with up to 10 books, and during each session, parents are reminded about the importance of reading to their children.
“We are proud to join with Congressmember Crowley for this Reach Out and Read event at our Pediatric Clinic,” said Elmhurst Hospital Center Executive Director Chris Constantino. “We want our youngest patients to stay not only physically healthy but also intellectually curious, and distributing free books to children during check-ups is a fantastic way to encourage this.”
