GREENE/OWEN CO. – United Way of South Central Indiana announces the launch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Greene and Owen counties.
Each child registered with the Imagination Library will receive a free, new, age-appropriate book mailed directly to their home each month until their fifth birthday.
The initiative aims to inspire a lifelong love for reading and learning in children and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. The Imagination Library is a renowned early literacy program that allows every child to access high-quality books, regardless of family income.
“United Way is thrilled to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Owen and Greene counties,” shared Randy Rogers, United Way of South Central Indiana President & CEO. “We appreciate that the community foundations in Greene and Owen counties stepped in to provide grant funding to launch this program. We look forward to ensuring that children grow up with books in their homes, which will help our entire region thrive.”
United Way of South Central Indiana supports and creates community-based and community-led solutions to help local families move from poverty to possibility.
The Greene County Foundation partly funds the program in Greene County, and the Owen County Community Foundation partly funds it through the Community Investment Grant Fund.
Parents or guardians can register their children online at www.unitedwaysci.org/dolly to receive books. Children will receive their first book approximately 8-12 weeks after they are enrolled.
A launch event will be held at the Owen County Public Library (10 South Montgomery Street, Spencer, Ind.) on Thursday, August 22, from 10 to 11 a.m. during Storytime. Organizers will read stories aloud from the Imagination Library, hand out free children’s books, and offer photo ops with a life-sized Dolly cut-out. A launch event in Greene County will be held in the fall.
The program encourages caregivers to read with their children, strengthening bonds and boosting kids toward a successful education. Research shows a child’s reading ability by the end of third grade significantly predicts future success. Children who reach this critical milestone are more likely to graduate high school and have higher earnings as adults.
Additionally, research indicates every $1 a community invests in early childhood education yields a 13% return on investment per child annually through better education, economic, health, and social outcomes.
Community members and businesses who would like to sponsor books for children in the program may do so at www.unitedwaysci.org/dolly.
United Way of South Central Indiana also hosts Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Lawrence and Orange counties. The program is hosted in Monroe County through Monroe Smart Start.
The Imagination Library, inspired by the vision of country music icon Dolly Parton, has reached millions of children worldwide and made a lasting impact on early childhood literacy. Dolly Parton was inspired to start her Imagination Library in 1995, due to her own father’s inability to read and write.
Learn more about the program, register children, or donate at www.unitedwaysci.org/dolly.
