Dr. Rebecca Huston sorts books to be placed in the exam rooms at the Children's Health Clinic downtown. These books are part of a larger gift from Half Price Books of 5,800 books for the clinic's Reach Out and Read Program.

The Children's Health Center is staffed by UT Health Science Center pediatric residents who provide primary pediatric care to low-income children.

The Reach Out and Read Program is part of a national literacy program. "At the check-ups, physicians educate parents about the importance of reading to their young children, offering age-appropriate tips and encouragement. At every well-child check-up between the ages 6 months and 5 years, the child is given a new book to keep," explained Rebecca Houston, M.D., M.P.H., clinical associate professor of pediatrics.

"Children start school with a home library of nine beautiful children's books, and their parents learn that reading aloud is the most important thing they can do to prepare their children for school," Huston said.

About 3,000 new books are given to children each year in the Children's Health Clinic.

Sick children who come to the clinic, as well as their siblings, are given gently used books. "There is always a huge demand for these books and it is very difficult to keep the shelves of the clinic stocked," Huston added.

To donate new or used books, contact Dr. Huston, 210-562-5344.