Every baby born at UNC Health Southeastern will now begin life as a book owner.

The hospital is among the first hospitals in the state to launch Books from Birth. As part of the program, which began at UNC Health Southeastern on Aug. 3, families are also encouraged to enroll in two free programs, both administered locally through the Smart Start Network. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library delivers a new book to their mailbox every month until their child’s fifth birthday. Basics Insights, a weekly text messaging service, shares simple, research-informed tips for turning everyday moments into opportunities to support their children’s development from birth to age five.