Igniting a Love of Reading: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Reaches Milestones in Alabama

In a heartwarming initiative to nurture the love of reading among young children, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has made significant strides in Alabama, reaching over 350 kids in its first year. This free book program, launched in east Tennessee in 1995, has expanded its reach, now distributing over one million books per month across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Empowering Children, One Book at a Time

Bringing the Magic of Reading to Alabama

The Alabama Department of Education has taken a proactive step by providing funding for the Imagination Library program, making it accessible to children across the state. The Chambers County Circle of Care Center for Families has taken on the responsibility of coordinating the program locally, ensuring that families can easily register and receive their monthly book deliveries.Kea Costley, a case worker at the Circle of Care, enthusiastically shared the impact of the program during a meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Valley. "We started with a soft launch back in December, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive," she explained. "Over 350 local children have already benefitted from this program, and we expect the numbers to grow significantly as more people learn about it."

Fostering a Love of Reading from an Early Age

The Imagination Library program is designed to ignite a love of reading in preschool children. Each month, a high-quality, age-appropriate book is delivered directly to the registered child's home, free of charge to the family. This simple yet effective approach has captured the hearts of countless parents, who have shared their children's excitement when a new book arrives."The books they receive are very colorful picture books, and the kids love turning the pages and having a family member read to them," Costley said. "Sometimes it's a parent, and sometimes it's an older sibling. Either way, the whole family can benefit when a young child gets a new book they love, helping to instill a lifelong love of reading."

Ensuring Sustainability and Expansion

The Circle of Care, with the support of the Alabama Department of Education, is committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Imagination Library program in Chambers County. They are actively seeking grants and working on a dedicated website where families can register their children for the program in the coming years."We will be seeking grants, and we're also looking at ways for individuals and businesses to sponsor local kids at a low cost," Costley said. "It's a free program for the parents, and we're excited to be a part of it. We see it as a program everyone can get behind."The cost of each book, around $2, may seem modest, but the impact it can have on a child's development is immeasurable. "When you look at it, you think it would cost more than that," Costley noted. "But these are high-quality books with lots of colorful pictures, and there are no controversial topics – just family-friendly themes."

Building a Brighter Future for Generations to Come

The Circle of Care Center for Families, nearing its 30th year of operation, has a deep commitment to supporting families in Chambers County and the Greater Valley Area. Through its comprehensive services, the center aims to improve the quality of life, ensure safety, and promote the well-being of children, helping families build a bright future for generations to come.The Dolly Parton Imagination Library program aligns perfectly with the Circle of Care's mission, offering a transformative opportunity to nurture the love of reading and learning in young children. As the program continues to grow and reach more families, the impact on the community will be profound, laying the foundation for a generation of empowered, curious, and literate individuals.