Two years ago the club instigated a program that presented a free book to all children born in the Leeton shire on their first and subsequent birthdays up until five years old.  

Appropriate books for the age groups are sourced by the Leeton library and a family can collect the book direct from there on or about their child’s birthday.

It is a voluntary program accessed through the district nurse at Leeton Community Health Centre near the hospital.  

Library assistant Sandra Watson would like parents to understand the importance of early reading. 

“Reading then becomes part of a family routine, which helps to build close bonds between parent and child,” she said.

“The mum’s have been delighted to receive their books.”

Leeton Lions program co-ordinator Col Attree said the aim of the project was to encourage reading and to develop a love of books from an early age.  

“Children who are read to and interact with books when very young show in the long-term, an increase in self-expression, wider vocabulary and an improved spelling ability,” he said.

“All it takes to get involved is to complete an application form from the community health district nurse.”