Rutherford Books from Birth has mailed over 500,000 books to the children of Rutherford County since 2006. The program is free to children and parents, but the actual cost of providing this service is $27 per year, per child, and is split evenly between each county-wide program and the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation. Books in the program are selected by a panel of early education experts and are purchased through a volume arrangement with Penguin Publishers.

Mitch Federman, president of Rutherford County Books from Birth comments, "Since 2006, Rutherford Books from Birth has made it our mission to make free books available to all Rutherford County children between birth and age 5. Through this effort we will strengthen the family bond and encourage children to develop reading skills. By providing free books to children in Rutherford County, we are helping to promote early childhood literacy and early childhood education. Making progress on these issues is paramount to the future success of our community."

Because only half of the funding for Rutherford County Books from Birth is provided by the Governor's state funded program, it takes a bit of fundraising to keep the books coming in the mail. Local Smyrna mother, Laura Palmer, knowing that her now two year old daughter still waits every month for her new book, has decided to continue the fundraising tradition that she started last year.

Palmer has arranged a vendor fair on November 8 from 10am-2pm at The Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro (1200 Conference Center Drive) where shoppers can sample goods and services while supporting local businesses. Confirmed vendors include local artists, jewelers, and artisans, Usborne Books, Tupperware, Wildtree, Origami Owl, Discovery Toys, Perfectly Posh, Lulu's Clothing Company, Jamberry Nails, Mary Kay, Clever Container, Pampered Chef, Sunlight Splattered Relics, 12 Reasons for Wreaths & Gifts, Magnolia Medical Center, For Tails Only, & many others - around 40 total. A silent auction & raffle will also be part of the event, where shoppers can register to win items from local businesses & participating vendors.

Need more details?

To register for Rutherford County Books from Birth, visit http://rutherfordcobooksfrombirth.org. For more information about the fundraiser or donating an auction item, contact Laura Palmer at lrpalmerpack@gmail.com.