H:EART is an initiative with the goal of encouraging people to not only read, but read together. In fact, H:EART stands for Hagerstown: Every Age Reads Together.  Of course, we want EVERYONE to read together, but this initiative focuses specifically on the Hagerstown and Nettle Creek community.  You’re special, and we think you should be treated that way.

There is definitive research that shows that reading with young children can help determine their academic success later on. That’s what great, but there are other great things about reading together. First, it’s done TOGETHER. There are so many things separate us in modern society. A family of four can be sitting in the same room and doing four separate and unique things. Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. But, as important as “alone time” can be, “together time” is important for the development of relationships as well as a broader type of critical thinking.

But reading isn’t only good for children. It’s good for all of us.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten (1KBBK) is a research backed program encouraging parents to start reading to their children as early as possible. Parents and caregivers can register children 4 and younger 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Registration.