Elizabethton Celebrates Reading with the Imagination Library
In the cozy town of Elizabethton, reading is being brought into the spotlight thanks to a wonderful initiative called the Imagination Library. This community program, launched to inspire and cultivate a love for reading among young children, is knocking it out of the park with its impressive outreach and participation rates. Parents and children alike are reaping the benefits of this literary adventure, and the excitement is palpable!
What is the Imagination Library?
The Imagination Library is an engaging program that provides free books to children from birth to age five. That’s right, no cost whatsoever! Every month, each enrolled child receives a brand-new, high-quality book tailored to their age group, all at no expense to the families involved. Parents, regardless of their income level, can sign their children up to receive these delightful tomes. How amazing is that?
The Impact on Young Readers
Research shows a strong correlation between early reading habits and later academic success. Kids who achieve reading proficiency by the end of third grade are much more likely to stay on track and even exceed their academic coals. Thanks to the Imagination Library, 91.43% of Carter County children are enrolled, and this statistic is steadily rising! Monthly, over 2,200 brand new books find their way into the hands of eager young readers throughout Carter County and Elizabethton City.
A Community Effort
While it was the beloved Dolly Parton who founded the Imagination Library, the program in our area depends on a dedicated local board and community resources. The Dollywood Foundation takes care of the organizational side, including choosing the best books and buying them in bulk. A big portion of the funding comes from the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation, while the local board contributes the additional funds needed each month.
It’s worth mentioning that while the program is thriving, there are still opportunities for community members to contribute. Every little bit helps the local Imagination Library board cover the ongoing costs and ensure that as many children as possible can benefit from this initiative. The community’s support is not just welcome; it is absolutely vital!
Local Leadership and Support
Working tirelessly behind the scenes is the Imagination Library Community Awareness Committee. This dedicated group includes members like Kathy Bowman, Pam Egeler, Gaye Lee Jones, and Creola Miller, among others. Their mission is simple yet crucial: to raise awareness about the program and ensure that every child in the community has access to the joy of reading. Dr. Billye Joyce Fine chairs the committee, steering the team with enthusiasm and commitment.
A Great Success Story
As we witness the transformation in children’s lives through the power of reading, it’s heartwarming to hear terrific anecdotes from families who have participated. Local mother Summer Fleenor and her sons Owen, Tate, and Max illustrate this perfectly. They’ve embraced reading as a family, diving into the many books they receive each month. Summer expressed her gratitude, sharing how the Imagination Library has ignited a passion for reading in her boys.
In the midst of such excitement, it’s good to remember that the local board has set its sights on achieving a goal of 100% participation. With so many children already enrolled, reaching that milestone seems entirely possible. The power of community effort shines bright in Elizabethton, and it’s a beautiful sight.
Final Thoughts
The Imagination Library is more than just a program; it’s a movement that is shaping the future of our children. By fostering a love for reading at such an early age, we are helping to create a generation of knowledgeable, engaged, and successful individuals. Let’s continue to support this incredible initiative and cheer on our young readers as they embark on their literary adventures!
