Surrounded by toothy smiles, Richard Beebe sits at a child-size table, reading the classic adventures of “Curious George.”
Three days a week, the 17-year-old shares his love of books with children in the UNMC/NHS Pediatric Clinic. Beebe is the clinic’s first volunteer reader in the national Reach Out and Read Program, which makes early literacy a standard part of pediatric care.
“I get to act like a kid and interact with kids,” said Beebe, who attends Parrish Alternative School and Burke High School and receives credit for volunteering his time. “Plus, I like to read and enjoy meeting new people.”
The UNMC/NHS Pediatric Clinic recently launched the Reach Out and Read program, becoming one of only a handful of Nebraska health centers involved in literary promotion. Through the program, pediatricians encourage parents to read aloud to their young children and give new, age-appropriate books to the patients to take home at all pediatric check-ups from six months to five years of age. Beebe and other volunteers read to children in the waiting rooms to show parents and youngsters the pleasures and techniques of looking at books together.
“It’s all about helping parents and children form a love of books,” said Carmen Bunde, regional coordinator for the Reach Out and Read Program.
The clinic is seeking donations of “gently used” books, which will be given to siblings who come to the clinic with the patient. Book donations may be dropped off at the Pediatric Clinic, Room 4615, or mailed through campus ZIP 9400.
The clinic also needs volunteer readers. Anyone interested should contact NHS Volunteer Services at 559-4162. The pediatric clinic is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.
“I look forward to this every week,” Beebe said, turning the page to find out the mischievous monkey’s next adventure.
For more information on the national reading program, visit www.reachoutandread.com.