The Baby TALK rocking chair, book display and photo bulletin board are popular spots. Our circulation statistics show that the Baby TALK materials are used heavily. Franklin says the Michigan City library and staff have been very supportive of the Baby TALK program. Down the road she would also like to see some outreach centers added, such as at day care centers. The program can be modified so easily to be suitable for any situation.
Parents love it,, babies love it, and it provides good nurturing for some solid parent education.
With no hospital that delivers babies in the county, Baby TALK hospital visits were adapted to home visits when the program began in 1988 in order to serve the needs of this rural community. Last year Baby TALK educator Julie Thomas made nearly 100 home visits. Many of our mothers may not have had a chance to talk with another adult in some time so the home visits are generally welcomed and may last a couple of hours. Information collected during the home visits is filed and families are sent a quarterly developmental newsletter. Each month Baby TALK hosts a birthday party for children celebrating a birthday in that month.