An announcement from the Pulaski County Public Library Foundation shares that the Pulaski County affiliate of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library is marking a major milestone: 500 children have now “graduated” from the program after receiving free books every month from birth through age five.
Since launching in 2018, the local Imagination Library affiliate has mailed free books directly to Pulaski County children’s homes at no cost to families. The program currently serves nearly 325 local children each month, with every resident child under five in the county eligible to enroll.
“Reaching 500 graduates is a wonderful indication of how this program is valued in our community,” said MacKenzie Ledley of the Pulaski County Public Library Foundation, which sponsors the local affiliate. “Our very first participants are in middle school now, and we still hear from families about how much they enjoyed the program. It provides children with a small library of their own to enjoy for years to come.”
Research has long shown that early, consistent access to books is one of the strongest predictors of later reading success, and the Imagination Library was designed with that goal in mind: ensuring cost is never a barrier to a child having books of their own at home. If you know of a child younger than age 5, encourage them to enroll in this valuable program at www.imaginationlibrary.com
The program relies on community support to continue. Its current success is a testament to multiple donors and local organizations who believe in its importance and support it financially.
A donation of $31 provides a full year of books, one book a month, for a single child. Those interested in supporting the program, enrolling a child, or learning more can call the Pulaski County Public Library or visit the Pulaski County Public Library Foundation online at www.pcplf.org.
