Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library puts a free book in the hands of every child under the age of five each month. Now this program is expanding statewide in Illinois to encourage early childhood literacy.
The state will partner with Imagination Library through a $1.6 million appropriation in this year’s budget. The state funds go along with funding from the Dollywood Foundation and local organizations.
Earlier this year I sponsored a resolution to support this initiative by establishing a statewide “Read With Your Kids Week.” It was part of a package of ideas to improve literacy for every child in Illinois. There is no substitute for an engaged parent (or grandparent!) when it comes to helping a child learn to read.
Those interested in participating in the program can visit imaginationlibrary.com to find their local provider. Readers Make Leaders!