Greenville County resident Anna Hanor knows the value of putting books in the hands of children. As a former educator and the mom of a kindergartener and a 2-year-old who receives books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, she sees the results firsthand – from the delight at the mailbox when a new book arrives to the passion for reading that comes from making it a habit from birth.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is the flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, gifting more than 300 million free books since its launch in 1995. The program currently mails more than 2 million books each month to enrolled children ages birth – 5 in five countries, made possible by funding from Dolly Parton, local program partners and other funders.
Hanor’s oldest child, Sheppard, is 5 years old and has aged out of Imagination Library, but she said it helped build his home library and his interest in reading. She said there is no doubt that exposure to books helps children get ready for kindergarten.
“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is the lowest barrier of entry to books that you could possibly have,” she said. “It requires no car ride. It requires no putting on shoes to make sure we can go in the library, no library card. It’s just books straight to your house. And some of his favorite books came from Imagination Library, and they’re books that we didn’t know – they weren’t in our canon of books that we love. So as a whole family, it has expanded our love of children’s books, because we’ve all found a book that we love and resonate with that we might not have.”
Greenville County First Steps is working to expand the program to more zip codes. Currently, the program is funded through the Dolly Parton Foundation, through a statewide appropriation and through local funds from organizations and donors that bridge the gap.
Derek Lewis, Executive Director of Greenville First Steps, said the fact that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is universal is critical – it is open to any preschool child as long as their zip code is funded. It creates an opportunity for families to help their children – and their neighbors’ children – succeed.
“The beauty of it for everyone is that there are families who need these books – and there are families who are going to see the value of these books and then want to give that opportunity to other families. So, we not only provide them free of charge, but we provide any family who is a recipient of the program an opportunity to sponsor another family so that we can expand our reach beyond those we’re currently serving,” he said.
Hanor says the benefit goes far beyond each child who participates.
“The strength of the research of having books accessible to children, children growing up with books in their house – the research is so clear,” she said. “There’s no question about it, that to me this is like public health.”
Greenville First Steps is proud to offer Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Many neighborhoods in Greenville County are currently eligible for Imagination Library, and more are being added. Learn more and register at greenvillefirststeps.org/freebooks. Ready to help bring Imagination Library to more zip codes in Greenville County? A donation of $26 supports books for one child for one year. Donate at greenvillefirststeps.org/donate.
It requires no car ride. It requires no putting on shoes to make sure we can go in the library, no library card. It's just books straight to your house. And some of his favorite books came from Imagination Library, and they're books that we didn't know – they weren't in our canon of books that we love. So as a whole family, it has expanded our love of children's books, because we've all found a book that we love and resonate with that we might not have.
By visiting this website, and providing your contact details, you are consenting to receive updates including automated text messages and emails. Message and Data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary over time. Privacy Policy.
Designed by goodvillage co.