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Reach Out & Read

Every child benefits from reading becoming a part of their lives. Sharing books together creates a lasting, meaningful connection between caregiver and child.

About Reach Out & Read

Reach Out & Read gives children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric visits. During well-child visits, pediatricians use a book to engage with children and talk with caregivers about early literacy. Caregivers are also encouraged to visit their local library for more resources. Every child receives a free book following their visit.

Reach Out & Read Partners – Fox Cities is a local affiliate of Reach Out & Read – Wisconsin and the national Reach Out & Read organization. A big thanks to United Way Fox Cities for supporting Reach Out & Read Partners-Fox Cities.

Reading Tips for Your Family

  • Read aloud every day. It’s a fun and special time with your child, helping them learn lots of new words. When children are read to by people they love, children learn to love books.
  • It’s never too early to start. Babies love to be held and to hear your voice. Cuddle up together and look at board books.
  • A few minutes is okay. Young children may sit still for only a few minutes. They’ll listen longer as they grow.
  • Let your child turn the pages. Babies and toddlers need help to turn board book pages. A three-year-old likes to turn pages without help.
  • Read favorite stories over and over. Children love to hear the same stories again and again. This is how they learn.
  • Ask your child questions about the story. Where is the moon? What do you think will happen next? Be sure to give the child time to answer.
  • Make the story come alive. Read with fun and excitement in your voice. Try loud, or soft, or silly voices.
  • Talk about the pictures. Make up stories to go with the pictures. Let your child join in.
  • Read anywhere, anytime. Read at playtime, bedtime, and naptime. Read any place you have to wait. Read at the playground or under a tree, in a car or on the bus.
  • Come to the library to get more books. We have a ton of free books. We can suggest fun, age-appropriate books.

Elements of Great Reading Spaces

  • A cozy seat to snuggle into along with pillows and blankets.
  • A fun assortment of books in baskets, boxes, or a forward-facing shelf.
  • A well-lit area or near a window for natural light.

Community Partners

United Way Fox Cities is a founding sponsor of Reach Out & Read Partners – Fox Cities. United Way knows caregivers who read with their children support healthy brain development. Partnerships, like the one with Reach Out & Read, fulfill United Way Fox Cities’ mission. Improving lives by building a stronger, more caring community for everyone.

Participating Medical Sites

  • Ascension Medical Group
    • Ascension NE Wisconsin at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital – Children’s Health Center (Appleton)
    • Ascension Medical Group at Deerwood Avenue (Neenah)
    • Ascension Medical Group at Greenville
    • Ascension Medical Group at New London
  • Aurora Health Care
    • Kaukauna
    • Seymour
  • Bellin Health (Seymour)
  • Family Care of the Fox Cities (Appleton)
  • Kaukauna Clinic
  • Mosaic Family Health (Appleton)
  • Partnership Community Health Center (Appleton)
  • Primary Care Associates of Appleton
  • Prevea Health (Seymour)
  • ThedaCare Physicians
    • ThedaCare Physicians – Pediatrics (Appleton)
    • ThedaCare Physicians – Pediatrics (Darboy)
    • ThedaCare Physicians – Pediatrics (Neenah)
    • ThedaCare Physicians Appleton West
    • ThedaCare Physicians Black Creek
    • ThedaCare Physicians Darboy Family Practice
    • ThedaCare Physicians Menasha
    • ThedaCare Physicians Neenah
    • ThedaCare Physicians New London
    • ThedaCare Physicians North (Encircle Health)
    • ThedaCare Physicians Kimberly

Participating Libraries

  • Appleton Public Library
  • Black Creek Village Library
  • Elisha D. Smith Public Library (Menasha)
  • Gerard H. Van Hoof Library (Kimberly-Little Chute)
  • Hortonville Public Library
  • Kaukauna Public Library
  • Muehl Public Library (Seymour)
  • Neenah Public Library
  • New London Public Library

Partner Resources

Get Involved

Financial Support

Checks are accepted at the Appleton Public Library. We will use all financial donations to provide direct support to Reach Out and Read clinics. We will provide a tax-deductible donation receipt upon request.

Host a Book Drive

Interested in hosting a book drive to benefit a local clinic? Please contact Colleen, our Library Physician Liaison. She’ll answer any questions you may have. She’ll also set you up with a donation bin and marketing materials to make your book drive a success.