The Salina Public Library has received a $10,884 state grant.

According to the library, the State Library of Kansas awarded Salina Public Library a grant in the amount of $10,884 to support the implementation of the “Checkup and Check Out” program in local well-child checkups, sending families home with an age-appropriate book (through the Kansas Pediatric Foundation’s current program, Turn a Page, Touch a Mind) and encouraging parents to take an extra trip to the public library to receive another free book. Salina Public Library will work with Comcare, Mowery Clinic, Salina Family Healthcare Center and Salina Pediatric Care to implement this program in Salina.

For years, many Kansas doctors have been prescribing reading to children as part of their well-child checkups, and giving families age-appropriate books to encourage them to follow that advice. Now through the support of the State Library of Kansas, public libraries are working with a group of those physicians to increase library attendance by offering families an additional free book when they come to their libraries to learn about 6 by 6 (the six skills children need by age six to be ready to learn to read).

“We believe that reading and good health go hand and hand,” said State Librarian Jo Budler. “What better way to ensure this than to instill a love of reading — and books – than when our youngest residents visit their doctors?”

Salina Public Library is excited to be an early participant in the “Checkup and Check Out” program. “We sincerely want every preschool child to be read to often,” said Salina Public Library Director Joe McKenzie. “We want kids to be in love with books and stories. Learning is part of thriving. We want every child in Salina to thrive. It’s so exciting to be working cooperatively with health providers who understand that reading and learning are essential to the well being of every young child. We look forward to giving books to children though the Checkup and Check Out program.”