The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District and Sunrise Children’s Hospital are teaming up to tackle early learning with a new program called My First Library that equips new parents and caregivers with resources to give their babies a jumpstart to learning and literacy from the youngest ages.

“Early learning is crucial because it lays the foundation for a child’s future development, including success in school, and overall well-being,” said Las Vegas-Clark County Executive Director Kelvin Watson. “Babies and children who experience learning activities and reading early in life are more likely to remain engaged and motivated throughout their educational journey. Sunrise Children’s Hospital is the perfect partner to help us deliver valuable resources directly into the hands of parents and caregivers before they return home with their new baby.”

My First Library is a box packed with fun and engaging books and activities that promote a love of learning among young children. The My First Library box is being provided to parents or caregivers of babies born at Sunrise Hospital, available one per customer at Sunrise Children’s Hospital, while supplies last.

The My First Library boxes contain items for children from birth to age 5, carefully selected by the Library District’s professional librarians, including:

  • Picture books with a variety of textures and colors
  • Teaching tips for parents and caregivers
  • A booklet describing early learning milestones and what to expect
  • A cozy Library District branded sleep sack for babies up to 16 lbs.
  • Handy refrigerator magnets with QR codes that link to resources on
  • And a My First Library Card, so parents can immediately start exploring and using the thousands of free resources offered by the Library District’s 25 branches

“Through our partnership with the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, individuals who deliver their child here receive My First Library before they return home with their new baby,” said Todd P. Sklamberg, CEO, Sunrise Hospital and Sunrise Children’s Hospital. “Complete with books, developmental milestones and access to library resources, My First Library places an emphasis on early learning and is a source of entertainment for parents to create lasting memories with their newborn.”

Libraries are partners with schools in education by providing resources, programs and support that complement classroom learning and help students develop critical academic, social, and life skills. These include access to books, digital media, and research tools; storytimes and reading and activity programs to keep school skills sharp and prevent “summer slide”; in-person and online homework help and tutoring; access to technology and digital literacy skills; STEAM and makerspaces; and so much more.

About the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District 

The award-winning Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is an independent taxing entity that serves a diverse community across 8,000 square miles. Through its 25 branches and website, the Library District offers a collection of 3.2 million items, including books, movies, music (including streaming and downloadable), online resources, and free programs for all ages. The Library District’s new Free To Be public education campaign demonstrates the vital and vibrant role that the library plays in Las Vegas, offering unexpected experiences; limitless learning; business and career advancement; government and social services support; and best of all, a place where customers find a sense of culture and community. For more information, and to support Library District programs, please visit TheLibraryDistrict.org.

About Sunrise Children’s Hospital

Sunrise Children’s Hospital is the largest, most comprehensive children’s hospital in Nevada that also serves the surrounding region and millions of visitors that come to Las Vegas. Sunrise Children’s Hospital offers a full range of specialized services, including Nevada’s only pediatric heart surgery program and Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU), a dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department and the largest Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in the Nevada. Sunrise Children’s Hospital is located on the same campus as Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center – Nevada’s largest acute care facility. Follow us on Instagram @SunriseChildrensHospitalLV and Facebook.com/SunriseChildrensHospital.