CUW WORKING FOR YOU
209,505 BOOKS MAILED
1,967 CHILDREN ENROLLED
3,541 NOW GRADUATED
Did you know that children growing up in homes with at least 20 books receive three more years of school than children from bookless homes?
We all know the importance of early childhood development. But, not all families have access to the tools or resources they need for their children to have a successful start. For example, 88% of children who aren’t reading by kindergarten still struggle with language skills in grade 3. Allegany County is committed to childhood development. We’ve made Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library available to all families in the Allegany County area – FREE of charge.
In 2011, The Allegany County Board of Education, the Allegany County Library System, the Community Trust Foundation, the County United Way, the Allegany County Human Resources Development Commission (HRDC), the Cumberland YMCA and key community members formed a partnership to bring the Imagination Library to the children of Allegany County.
The Dollywood Foundation mails each enrolled child one book every month from birth up until 5 years old. These high-quality books are chosen by experts in the education and writing field. Choices are based on the child’s age to encourage their love of reading before they head off to school.
The goal is to foster a love of learning in children, making the experience fun and meaningful. Since its inception in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has grown to be available in over 1,600 local communities. Over 1 million children have received free books.
Children in the program love getting a book in the mail every month: It’s personal, has their name on it, and comes straight to their home.
The Dollywood Foundation fully funds the cost of the books, however the cost of mailing the books to all children falls on the community and is approximately $30 per child per year. If you would like sponsor a child or donate, please note your gift is for the DPIL.
To register your child(ren) lease go to www.imaginationlibrary.com.
If you have additional questions about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, please email us at [email protected].
