Better Beginnings suggests a range of options for delivering the Baby program to families with a newborn.  Libraries can choose which delivery models will work best for them.  This flexible approach acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and allows libraries to make their own decisions.  Some details about common delivery models are outlined below, along with links to useful resources which may assist you in your chosen delivery model.  

Distribution by Community Child Health Nurses (CCHN) 

The most popular delivery model is via Community Child Health Nurses.  Each library delivers the packs to the nurse, who then gives them to families with new babies. CCHNs are valuable partners in the Better Beginnings program.  There is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between The Department of Health and The State Library of Western Australia which ensures the distribution of packs to families through CCHNs. Building a good relationship between the public library and the CCHN or distributor is important. The relationship is vital to the success of Better Beginnings as it significantly broadens the reach of new parents, especially those who don’t visit the library. 

Community Child Health Nurses: 

  • Present the Reading Packs to new parents at their baby’s eight-week check. The purple book that parents receive includes information about talking and sharing books with baby. Our research shows that the packs have the most impact when they are personally presented to new parents. 
  • Hand out packs any time during the first year if parents miss the eight-week check.  

You can search for your closest Maternal, Child & Family Health Centre here

Distribution by Library Staff 

Libraries have also distributed the packs by inviting parents to collect them from the library, giving out packs at the local maternity hospital or contacting local midwives who can reach those new mothers who don’t visit the Community Child Health Nurse.   

Attending a New Parent Group

Parents are an important audience for the messages of the Better Beginning program and choosing this delivery model allows for direct communication with parents, who have the most influence on whether reading at home occurs.  Community Child Health Nurses often run new parent group sessions and library staff may be invited to speak at these sessions.  Below is a suggested outline for a parent talk: 

  • Introduce yourself and talk about your library. 
  • Discuss the Better Beginnings program.   
  • Essential messages to convey to parents: 
    • Reading to your baby from birth is important.  Highlight to parents the lasting benefits to children who are immersed in home literacy practices by emphasising the role they play as their child’s first and most important teacher.   
    • Libraries are an amazing free resource in your local community.  Talk about the resources and programs that are available. 
  • Optional messages to convey to parents: 
    • Practical suggestions for incorporating reading into a busy family schedule.   
    • Model a sample Rhyme Time and invite families to attend a Rhyme Time session at your library. 
    • Show examples of great books for babies. 
  • Show them the contents of the Baby pack and distribute them to families.  
  • Thank families and CCHN for their time and encourage them to read the story in the pack to their baby.  
  • Encourage them to visit the local library and become a library member (if they are not already) so they can find more great books and other resources for free.