April 1, 2004

LANSING – Michigan First Gentleman Daniel Granholm Mulhern today presented 600 donated books to the Michigan Community Coordinated Child Care Association (4C) to distribute to child care centers around Michigan. The books were collected by the First Gentleman and Governor Jennifer M. Granholm at holiday parties and during charity basketball games.

"The amazing generosity of Michigan citizens makes this donation possible," Mulhern said. "The Governor and I are pleased to present these books to the Michigan 4C Association for distribution to child care centers throughout Michigan, where I know they will help children prepare for success."

Guests at holiday parties hosted by the First Gentleman and Governor were asked to donate a new children’s book. Also, books were collected at charity basketball games featuring Team Granholm which is led by the First Gentleman and is comprised of Executive Office staff members. Governor Granholm is the team’s honorary coach.

The Michigan 4C Association will divide the books among its 15 regional offices who will then distribute the books to child care centers around the state. Collecting the books is part of the administration’s ongoing effort to encourage early childhood literacy, Mulhern said.

"It is never too early to start reading to a child," Mulhern said. "Studies show dramatic results in long-term learning when children are read to early and often. Just as a hammer is a tool to build a house, a book is a tool to build a brain."

Mulhern made the presentation today at Beginnings Child Care Center in Lansing where he also read a book to a group of children who attend the center.