Reading aloud to young children is the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading. Reading aloud is critical because it builds 1) language development, 2) cognitive skills, 3) a broader vocabulary and word awareness, 4) memory and concentration, 5) curiosity, 6) exposure to new concepts and ideas, and 7) a strong parent-child bond. 90% of a child’s brain develops in the first five years and children who have not already developed some basic literacy practices by the time they enter school are 3-4 times more likely to drop out in later years. Unfortunately, fewer than half (48%) of young children in the United States are read to on a daily basis, and access to reading material may be to blame.
In 1995, Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library to benefit the children of her home county in East Tennessee. Dolly's vision was to foster a love of reading among her county’s preschool children and their families by providing them with the gift of a specially selected book each month. By mailing high quality, age-appropriate books directly to their homes, she wanted children to be excited about books and to feel the magic that books can create. Moreover, she could ensure that every child would have books, regardless of their family’s income.
Through the Catawba County Partnership for Children, the Caldwell County Smart Start, the Alexander County Partnership for Children, and the Burke County Smart Start, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program provides age-appropriate books to young children in our local area! At no cost to families, enrolled children receive one book in the mail each month until they reach the age of five for a total of 60 books. With this gift, they are more likely to be read to by their parents and caretakers, and they will be more ready for success in school because of developing a love of books and reading early in life.
While the program is free for all enrolled children, thanks to the support of the Dollywood Foundation, the cost for one child's enrollment in the program is about $25 per year. Please consider a donation to support local early literacy efforts through the Imagination Library program. To do so or for more information about the program, contact your local affiliate:
- Catawba County Partnership for Children - catawbakids.com
- Caldwell County Smart Start - caldwellsmartstart.org
- Alexander County Partnership for Children - www.alexanderchildren.org
- Burke County Smart Start - www.smartstartkids.org
To enroll your child in the Imagination Library program, please visit imaginationlibrary.com or smartstart.org.
