“It’s never too early to start reading with your child!” 

Over the last six months, City’s First Readers (CFR) launched a hospital-based outreach campaign, building new partnerships with New York City hospitals to engage new parents, promoting shared reading and early literacy, and connecting families to CFR’s programs and supporters.

CFR initiated the Hospital Baby Campaign at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan in December 2025 and is touring all five boroughs. The campaign’s goal is to connect with expecting moms early by sharing research, resources, and the many benefits of reading from the very beginning through a workshop series. Participants in the series receive a certification of completion and learn simple, meaningful ways to bond with their babies and connect to local partners, like their neighborhood library, who can support them. 

Most recently, CFR welcomed families to the program at Lincoln Hospital in The Bronx and the tour will continue to Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island, and culminate at Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn.

For the grand finale of each hospital tour, CFR hosts a special Baby Shower Celebration to honor participating families. Partners donate essentials such as diapers, play pens, formula, baby diaper bags, and other essentials while the ceremony itself offers an opportunity to deeply embrace new moms and babies in their respective communities! 

Spread the word: by reaching families right in maternity and pediatric units, CFR is ensuring every baby gets a strong start on their literacy journey. To learn more about CFR’s hospital program, please contact Emmanuel Novy, Chief of Strategic Initiatives at enovy@lincnyc.org