About Babies Love Books

This site was developed by the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (formerly Friends of Libraries U.S.A.) to provide parents and caregivers with easy access to information about the importance of early and lifelong literacy. The development was funded by a grant from Nordstrom.

The Books for Babies national literacy program acquaints parents of newborns with the important role they play in the development of their children. Parents are presented with a Books for Babies kit containing a board book for baby, baby's first library card, and a variety of brochures with reading tips and early literacy information from nationally-recognized educational organizations. Organizations such as Friends of the Library groups, Women's Clubs, and Junior Leagues purchase Books for Babies packets. Groups often supplement the packets with information about local resources, including library locations and contact information as well as details about lapsit and preschool storyhours.

ALTAFF is a division of the American Library Association (ALA) with approximately 5,000 Friends of Library, Trustee, Foundation and individual members and affiliates representing hundreds of thousands of library supporters. Begun in early 2009 with the merger of Friends of Libraries U.S.A. (FOLUSA) and ALTA, the new division brings together Trustees and Friends into a partnership that unites the voices of citizens who support libraries to create a powerful force for libraries in the 21st Century.