Last spring, the Oklahoma State Legislature passed Senate Bill 1803 establishing the framework for the state to help pay for children to enroll in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. Our Friends of the Library Group made the Imagination Library part of its literacy initiative several years ago and is excited that the State sees its value.
Getting print materials into the home of children is important to increasing a community’s literacy levels, so the Imagination Library provides a free, age-appropriate book each month for children until their 5th birthday. The Friends of the Pryor Creek Library have about 200 Mayes County children enrolled right now. They’d love to have more!
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 good quality and contain tips for caregivers to help teach children the early literacy skills that are so vital.
When my son was young, we signed up for the Imagination Library where we lived. He loved getting mail every month and we loved seeing his bookshelf grow! I was also impressed that some of the books we received were recent publications. This truly is a wonderful program.
While the books are free for all children signed up for the program, the sponsoring organization does pay about $25 per year per child. Considering the normal cost of books, this is an amazing deal for the Friends Group too. Once the State figures out where the money will come from, SB 1803 creates a fund to help sponsoring organizations pay their portion.
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 Nette at any Main Street event or parade.