UPDATE: The United Way of Whitman County has reached a remarkable milestone by enrolling over 1,000 children under the age of 5 in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This achievement marks 50% of all eligible children in the area, highlighting the program’s significant impact on early childhood literacy.
The announcement comes as part of a broader effort to foster a love of reading among the region’s youth. Board member Wanda Terry expressed excitement over this achievement, stating, “We’re just excited to reach that. Because that’s been our longstanding goal since the program was launched in the county.”
Launched in April 2022, the Imagination Library provides free, high-quality books to children, ensuring that families, regardless of income, have access to literature. Since its inception in Whitman County, approximately 34,000 books have been delivered to more than 1,500 children.
Terry noted that the local program is outperforming many others in Washington, where enrollment rates range from 2% to 55%. “It truly is a community effort,” she added, emphasizing the importance of local partnerships and outreach initiatives in building awareness of the program.
Registration for the program is easily accessible at various locations, including the Neill Public Library and the Whitman County Library District. The program aims to provide children with 60 books by the time they reach age 5, allowing families to create personal libraries without the stress of returning borrowed items.
Funding for the initiative currently relies on local donations, with Washington’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction covering 50% of costs. However, Terry cautioned that continued state support is uncertain due to financial challenges. “Local community support is vital,” she stressed, recognizing contributions from organizations like Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and the Rotary Club of Pullman.
To celebrate Dolly Parton’s upcoming 80th birthday, United Way of Whitman County will host a joint fundraiser on January 18, 2024, at 3 p.m. The event will feature a screening of the film “9 to 5” at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, with tickets priced at $15.
This milestone is not only a testament to the community’s commitment to literacy but also underscores the essential role that accessible reading resources play in shaping young lives. For further information about the program, visit whitmanunited.org/imaginationlibrary.
The success of the Imagination Library in Whitman County serves as a model for similar initiatives nationwide, demonstrating the power of community collaboration in promoting literacy and educational readiness among children.
