Reading Nook inspires book love at Children’s Health Center

Reading Nook inspires book love at Children’s Health Center

By MARIE WOOD

Mankato Clinic and The Creative Company are celebrating a 5-year partnership of bringing books to the Children’s Health Center on the Wickersham Health Campus.

“As publishers we want to share and give access to our books to as many children as possible — and if we can start within our own community, even better. Mankato Clinic Children’s Health Center created a thoughtful space and program to do this,” says Samantha Peterson, Marketplace Director, The Creative Company.

The Creative Company, a Mankato-based book publisher, donates books to the Reading Nook in the Children’s Health Center lobby. When children come to their appointments, they can choose a book and bring it home with them!

“The Reading Nook is a fantastic collaboration. The Creative Company donates a wide and diverse range of books to capture children’s interests,” Dr. Katie Smentek, Mankato Clinic pediatrician, says.

“We are excited to partner with the Mankato Clinic as The Creative Company began here in 1932 and remains today across four generations of family participation,” Samantha says.

Knowing how books help children thrive, Mankato Clinic created the Reading Nook in the Children’s Health Center, which opened in 2014. Children’s Health Center is home to the Mankato Clinic Pediatrics Department and a satellite clinic for Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare and Pediatric Therapy Services.

Samantha Peterson of The Creative Company and Dr. Katie Smentek of Mankato Clinic are proud partners of the Reading Nook at Children’s Health Center.

For Dr. Smentek, it was a dream to have a playful space at the clinic for children and families to choose a free book.

“Reading and learning begin at birth, well before children enter school. We know that reading aloud to children and exploring books together at an early age, even as infants, helps a child’s brain and language skills develop. Reading with our little ones helps children get a good start,” Dr. Smentek says. “Books are the building blocks of learning.”

If it’s hard to find time to read with your child, Dr. Smentek says it’s OK to ask for help. Ask older siblings, grandparents and neighbors to read to little ones. Once children find a love for books, they will be off and reading on their own in no time.

“For children and parents who struggle with reading, talk with your pediatrician or family medicine provider. We’re here to help you,” Dr. Smentek says.

At the Reading Nook, youth patients can choose a book to bring home with them.

Children of all ages and abilities are likely to find a book in the Reading Nook. Nature, animals, science, sports, unicorns, countries, biographies, careers and stories of all kinds!

The Creative Company is a dynamic group of publishers with each division specializing in different audiences, with books for all ages from toddlers to high school. Each year, The Creative Company gives to local and national organizations of all different types and sizes. Locally, families will find The Creative Company books in school libraries and The Blue Earth County Library.

“What is most important for us is seeing a continuation of our company’s values — education, creativity, reading equality and individuality — through each donation made,” Samantha says. “We are always looking for more ways to share our books within our community, so I encourage people to reach out!”

To learn more about The Creative Company, visit thecreativecompany.us