Gov. DeWine and First Lady Promote Child Literacy at Lisbon WIC Clinic
LISBON, Ohio – In an inspiring initiative aimed at fostering a love for reading in young children, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine visited the Lisbon Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinic on Monday. This visit was not just a casual stop; it was part of a broader commitment to enhance early childhood literacy across the state. During their visit, the couple engaged with Head Start students, reading from the beloved children’s book “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle.
The newly established reading nook within the clinic’s education and waiting area was designed to create a warm and welcoming environment where children can dive into the world of books while their families take care of necessary appointments. The reading nook, crafted by Real Art, features a whimsical tree design complete with plush green pillows that mimic leaves, aiming to capture the imagination of every child who enters the space. Underneath the tree, bins filled with books invite children to explore and borrow these resources at no cost, thanks to generous contributions from local libraries and the Imagination Library program.
Amy Cooper, the program director for the local WIC, explained that the Lisbon clinic serves around 1,800 children from Columbiana County, providing vital nutrition-related services that are federally funded. With a focus on early literacy, the clinic is among ten sites statewide selected to receive these reading nooks based on factors like early childhood literacy data, enrollment rates in the Imagination Library, and kindergarten readiness scores. Together, these WIC clinics support over 33,000 families each month, making a significant impact on community health and education.
During their reading session, the governor and first lady shared the joy of storytelling, encouraging children to engage with the humorous tale of the caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly. Their interactive approach, asking questions about the story, sparked excitement and curiosity among the young audience. Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, the director of the Ohio Department of Health, joined the DeWines in this heartfelt endeavor, emphasizing the importance of early literacy in shaping future success.
The Imagination Library of Ohio, a key component of this literacy effort, sends high-quality, age-appropriate books to children every month until they turn five, all at no cost to families. Currently, the program has over 410,000 active participants, which represents 62% of eligible children in the state. As Fran DeWine expressed, she first encountered the program through her grandchildren, who were thrilled to receive these books, igniting their passion for reading.
Governor DeWine highlighted that initiatives like the installation of reading nooks and the expansion of the Imagination Library are part of their administration’s broader educational goals. “It’s one more thing that will make a big difference,” he noted. “What this does is get kids familiar with books. We want kids to be ready for kindergarten.” The couple often hears positive feedback from parents about how the program has enhanced reading habits at home, transforming bedtime routines into cherished moments of connection over books.
Research consistently supports the idea that early exposure to literacy leads to academic success, influencing everything from school completion rates to career readiness. Dr. Vanderhoff affirmed this connection, stating, “We are excited to collaborate on this project to benefit Ohio’s infants and young children across the state. We are confident these efforts to expand early access to books are key to improving literacy.”
While only selected clinics are receiving these new reading nooks, every WIC clinic across Ohio is equipped to assist families in enrolling their children in the Imagination Library program. With the Ohio Department of Health’s WIC program serving over 135,000 infants and children under the age of five each month, the ripple effects of these initiatives have the potential to transform lives and create a long-lasting love for learning within communities.
As the DeWines left the Lisbon clinic, it was clear that their visit symbolized more than just a reading session; it was a commitment to shaping a brighter future for Ohio’s children through the power of books and literacy.
