Kids need books: it’s the doctors’ orders these days at Bellevue’s Eastgate Public Health Center.

The clinic participates in Washington’s Reach Out and Read program, which takes advantage of medical checkups to foster early literacy with kids.

Doctors at the center engage young patients with books and talk with parents about the importance of reading aloud to their children.

“Even if you cannot read, you look at the pictures and make stories,” said Dr. Diana Lidner, a pediatrician at Eastgate Public Health. “The point is that the child should see you pointing, speaking and enjoying the book. It increases curiosity for what’s inside.”

Reach Out and Read works on the assumption that early literacy is essential to child development and learning.

Lidner points out that reading to children can increase their language skills and expressiveness.

“You end up with a better student, and eventually a better citizen,” she said. “This is an investment in the future of children and the country.”

Every pediatric checkup at Eastgate Public Health begins with reading.

“It’s fun to start the visit with a book,” said Dr. Odette Batik, a physician at the center. “It relaxes everyone a bit, and they’re not just thinking about shots.”

Each patient goes home with a free age- and culturally appropriate publication from the clinic’s bookshelves, which are stocked with donations and contributions from the Reach Out and Read organization.

Participating clinics have to raise 75 percent of their annual book costs. Reach Out and Read covers the rest.

The Eastgate Public Health Center accepts donations of new and gently-used books at 14350 S.E. Eastgate Way.

The Reach Out and Read program is practiced at 70 locations throughout Washington, and over 300 medical professionals are participating in the program.

Joshua Adam Hicks can be reached at 425.453.4290.