The Friends of the Big Rapids Community Library have been providing books for babies at the hospital since 1994 through the “Catch ’em in the Cradle” book program. In 1997 we established the Friend’s Endowment Fund that would help cover the cost of the books. To date, the Friends of the Library have delivered over 11,000 books for babies born at Mecosta County Medical Center. The Friends of the Library used Match Day 2010 Funds from the Mecosta County Community Foundation to help purchase books for the program.
MCCF board member, Yo Bellingar, presentes Match Day 2010 check to Mary Ryan and Wendy Nystrom of the Friends of the Big Rapids Community Library.
(Above) Kacy Gillis reads to son Phillip, born May 9 at 12:07 p.m. at Mecosta County Medical Center. Phillip’s new book was given by The Friends of the Big Rapids Community Library, which provides grant funds to purchase books for distribution to new families to promote the beautiful and useful practice of reading to children from an early age.
Kacy Gillis and son Phillip