The First 1,000 Days Suncoast initiative, in collaboration with Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), is proud to announce a NICU Mobile Library—a program providing families with books and literacy resources while their babies receive care in the NICU. The NICU Mobile Library encourages parents and caregivers to read aloud to their newborns, helping foster bonding, comfort, and early language development even in the most challenging circumstances. Families select books to read at their baby’s bedside and are given free books to take home, ensuring that the love of reading continues beyond the hospital walls. The program was launched through the generous support of The Patterson Foundation through the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and Felicia and Gary Donson of Mom’s Book Nook, along with the ongoing partnership of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System. Their contributions have made it possible to bring comfort and connection to families through the power of books.

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