Dolly Parton was inspired to start the Imagination Library after learning her father couldn’t read or write. It started in 1995 as a local effort in Parton’s home state of Tennessee and has grown to every state and five countries. She wanted to ensure that all children had access to books, regardless of their family’s income.
The program mails free, age-appropriate books to children from birth to five each month. Any child can participate.
“It is a fantastic way to get books into the hands of children,” said Penny Beed, board member of the Imagination Library of the Ouachitas and former early literacy professor at the University of Northern Iowa. “I was an educator for 43 years. Both my research and experience show that there are huge benefits to reading to children from an early age, even in infancy. It teaches them to focus, improves their kindergarten entry scores and helps develop a love of reading. In addition, they learn a great deal about the world.”
Imagination Library of the Ouachitas (ILO) began in Garland County in 2012 and has grown to also cover Pike and Montgomery counties. “Our board is always working to increase registrations in all three counties,” said Beed. “The percentages of children registered are Garland at 77%, Montgomery at 95%, and Pike County at 100% of eligible children.”
Registrations involve a coordinated effort between the ILO board and other institutions in the area. “Great partnerships make this possible. We partner with schools and with hospitals so new parents can register their babies as soon as they’re born,” said Beed. “County health departments help sign up children, and even the National Park Community College helps by providing lists of childcare centers so we can locate and register kids.”
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library Foundation determines which books are sent and provides logistical support, while the local chapters raise funds to purchase and mail the books. The overhead cost to implement the program is about $26 per year per child, or $130 over five years if the child is signed up at birth.
Beed added, “In Arkansas, the program is available in all 75 counties. By the time the children turn five, they will have received 60 books. Recent studies suggest that in homes receiving these books, parents are four times more likely to read to their children.”
“There is no reason why every young child in the state of Arkansas shouldn’t be getting a book every month. The books are high-quality, age and culturally appropriate, as well as free. If other Imagination Library partners are interested in growing their programs, I hope they’ll contact the Imagination Library of the Ouachitas. We are always happy to exchange ideas!”