The mission of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is to cultivate a love of reading in early life. Enrolled children under the age of five receive one book by mail each month until their fifth birthday. The program, launched in 1995, promotes early childhood literacy across the world by helping children to become “reading ready” as they enter kindergarten. The Pioneer Library System first launched its partnership with the program in September 2022.
In a little more than a year, this partnership between Pioneer Library System and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has distributed more than 109,000 books, serving 42% of the 25,000plus eligible children in the PLS service area.
Tecumseh Public Library Branch Manager Beth Lyle serves as point person on Imagination Library at Pioneer Library System. “Science tells us that 90% of brain growth happens before kindergarten, so we know the connections made during the early years of a child’s life will be essential to their future development. Taking 20 minutes to read together every day expands vocabulary, boosts mental health, and improves critical-thinking skills for your child and you,” Lyle said of the importance of the program’s support of early reading.
Founded in 1958, PLS today offers full-access libraries in 10 communities throughout Cleveland, McClain, and Pottawatomie counties.
