Our Friends of the Pryor Creek Library group has two main missions as an organization: 1) to support the Pryor Public Library and 2) to support literacy in Mayes County. They accomplish mission one by giving of their time to promote the Library, help with major Library projects and events, and giving financial support where appropriate (they helped fund our visit from Bestselling Author Jon Jefferson). Their second mission is accomplished through mission one and by sponsoring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for children under 5 years of age in Mayes County.
Increasing a community’s literacy levels makes getting print materials into children’s homes vital. The Friends group has done an amazing job getting children enrolled in the Imagination Library program since its beginning in 2017. That first Imagination Library order sent books to 8 children. This month, the order will reach 217 children!
After receiving the introductory book (“The Little Engine That Could”) each book is chosen specifically for the child’s age and developmental stage. The books are fairly current, of good quality, and contain tips for caregivers to help teach children the early literacy skills.
In 2021, the Friends Group’s sponsorship paid for 2,432 books to be mailed to Mayes County children (an average of 203 per month). While the books are free for all children signed up, the sponsoring organization pays about $25 per year, per child. Considering the normal cost of books, this is quite a deal!
If you know a child living in Mayes County who is under 5 years old who would like a free book each month, come to the Library to get an application or visit imaginationlibrary.com/check-