Reading is an imperative skill for children to master, and it seems like kids are learning to read earlier than ever, mostly because parents (like you moms!), teachers and community leaders are invested in the well-being of little ones everywhere. While not all children are provided equal resources such as technology-based learning, free after-school programs or conducive learning environments, there are programs that can positively impact the future of our children. One such initiative available in select Michigan counties is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program dedicated to “fostering a love of reading among children and their families by providing them with the gift of a specially selected book each month, regardless of their family’s income.” Since 1995, Dolly’s program has provided age-appropriate books to nearly 1 million children across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia.
How it Works:
Each month, registered children are mailed high quality, age-appropriate books directly to their homes, free of charge. Parents never pay a dime. They are given surveys that help the book committee better understand the likes, dislikes, wants and needs of their children. Any child from birth to five years old qualify for this program.
Where it’s Available:
To see if the Imagination Library is available in your county, click here. If you notice that the program is not currently available in your area, you can register for updates so that when a program beings, you will be notified. There are also resources online for those interested in starting a program locally!
- Genesee County: Flint Public Library Community
- Lapeer County: United Way of Lapeer County
- St. Clair County: St. Clair County RESA/Great Start
- Washtenaw County: Washtenaw Success By 6 Great Start Collaborative Community
- Wayne County: United Way of Southeast Michigan
In the United States alone, 32 million adults cannot read. That’s 14 percent of the country’s population. We cannot let our children become a statistic. Take advantage of programs like this that will help our children be more educated than our generation and continue to work hard so that success is their only option.
