Write a commentCommunity partnership expands access to free, age-appropriate books.
Over 500 children in Oswego County were given the gift of literacy through Oswego Health. As a Community Partner for Imagination Library of Oswego County (ILOC), Oswego Health assists with enrollment and gives families with newborns and children under five years old the opportunity to sign up at their facilities to receive free monthly books.
Oswego Health has been an integral community partner when it joined forces with ILOC in November 2023. Oswego Health has been promoting the program and enrolling children at its sites, particularly newborns delivered at Oswego Hospital. Staff at Oswego Health’s Maternity Center are the driving force behind this partnership by asking new parents if they wish to enroll their children, and then they collect completed registration forms each month on behalf of ILOC. Waiting to introduce a child to books and reading until they go to school is too late. This partnership allows families to register their children right from birth, maximizing the child’s exposure to age-appropriate literature, preparing them for a successful future.
“We’re extremely grateful for Oswego Health’s continuous and enthusiastic support,” said Andrew Eusebio, ILOC coordinator. “This partnership connects us to parents and caregivers with young children, empowering them with the tools and resources to create a nurturing environment at home that is beneficial to healthy brain development, learning and growth.”
As of August 31, 2025, Oswego Health registered its 502nd child, averaging 23 new registrations per month. 17 children have already aged out of the program and 485 children are enrolled, accounting for 14% of all registered children currently receiving books from ILOC. Majority of these children received their first book in the mail within one month of their birth.
“At Oswego Health, we care deeply about our community, and that care begins right at birth. Through our partnership with the Imagination Library, we’re proud to give families the opportunity to start their child’s journey with the gift of books. Helping parents introduce reading from day one not only supports healthy development but also builds a foundation for a lifetime of learning,” said Michelle Rockwood, RN, Director of Women’s Services at Oswego Health.
The Imagination Library program is a free monthly book subscription that provides an age-appropriate book each month to all registered children, encouraging caregivers to read with their children each day for at least 15 minutes. The program is available for families with children who are under five years old and reside in Oswego County. There is no cost for the family regardless of the household income thanks to community grants and corporate and private donations.
Imagination Library of Oswego County’s work aligns with Oswego Health’s commitment in promoting positive and healthy habits.
