<h4 style="text-align: center;">AZ Blue is helping get books into the hands of Arizona kids through partnership and community action.</h4>
A good book can open a world of possibilities for a child. But for many kids in Arizona, access to books at home is limited. AZ Blue is doing something about that.
What to know:
<ul>
 <li>Nearly 400 books and one goal: help more Arizona children discover the joy of reading.</li>
 <li>AZ Blue partnered with United Way of Pinal County and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.</li>
 <li>AZ Blue employees volunteered more than 500 hours to support literacy efforts both in and beyond the workplace.</li>
</ul>
 Why early literacy matters
Think about the last book that stayed with you long after you turned the final page. Chances are, someone put that book in your hands at exactly the right moment. For many children in Arizona, that moment never comes&mdash;not because they don't enjoy reading, but because they simply don't have books at home.
Researchers studying "<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/news/improving-childrens-literacy-book-deserts" target="_blank">book deserts</a>" found that in high-poverty communities, there may be just one age-appropriate book available for every 300 children. Access matters because children who can regularly choose and own books are more likely to develop the reading skills that support long-term success.
At AZ Blue, we understand that education and health go hand in hand. Access to learning opportunities and strong literacy skills can <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-schools/health-academics/index.html/" target="_blank">help children build healthy habits, make informed choices, and thrive</a> throughout their lives. That's why employees came together to donate new books, helping put more stories&mdash;and more possibilities&mdash;into the hands of local children through United Way of Pinal County's partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. By supporting early literacy, we're investing in brighter futures for children and communities alike.
AZ (Little) Blue Libraries
 AZ Blue volunteers recently gathered to paint and assemble AZ (Little) Blue Libraries in partnership with Southwest Human Development and United Way of Pinal County. These little libraries will be installed at community hubs across Arizona, giving kids and families free access to books whenever they need them.
 The books inside? Close to 400 of them came straight from AZ Blue's recent employee book drive. What started as a donation bin in the office becomes a neighborhood library shelf. That is community investment you can see.
"A book may seem like a small gift, but it can make a big difference. I'm glad to be part of an effort that helps children discover new stories and new possibilities," 
Lisa Inglis, AZ Blue employee.
 To learn more about the Little Free Libraries literacy program, visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://swhd.org/" target="_blank">swhd.org</a>.
AZ Blue and the communities we serve
 At AZ Blue, we believe healthy communities start with healthy kids. That means good medical care, yes&nbsp;&mdash; but it also means access to the things that help children grow and thrive, like books, learning, and the joy of a good story. This is one small part of how AZ Blue shows up for Arizona families beyond the doctor's office. 
 To learn more about AZ Blue's community efforts, visit <a href="http://azblue.com/azblueinaction">azblue.com/azblueinaction</a>.

Building a Love of Reading, One Book at a Time

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