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Texas BookShare

  • Texas BookShare aims to improve literacy among Texas children by encouraging parents and kids to read together, with an emphasis on learning and forming healthier habits.

    The program grew from a collaboration between Bell County Medical Society Alliance, The Leaders Readers Network nonprofit, and Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Medical Center, tasking physicians to “prescribe” books on healthy living topics to their young patients during well-checks. Texas BookShare has grown to 14 Texas counties, with more than 9,200 Texas children having received a book since 2021.

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  • How it Works

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    The success of Texas BookShare lies in the power of collaboration. Alliance chapters and county medical societies join with a local health clinic or physician to distribute books to patients in underserved areas. The host groups work together to market and launch the local project – and write personalized messages inside each book. Physician hosts who treat children can have their own book distribution or collaborate with one who does.

  • Host a Literacy Event

    Start-up is FREE for TMA Alliance chapters, county medical societies, and TMA physician members. First-time hosts receive $1,500 worth of books for different age groups, available in English and Spanish. Topics focus on healthy habits, such as staying active, growing a garden, and eating healthy foods. Renewing participants receive $1,500 in books, $1,000 from TMA with a $500 contribution.

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