Hundreds of Batavia children are checking out the Imagination Library
Nearly 200 children under 5 years old have been registered so far in Batavia to receive a free book each month through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program in partnership with the Batavia United Way. The free books are offered to all children under 5 in Batavia and Batavia Township, regardless of family income.
Kathy Evangelista, executive director of Batavia United Way, said, "Batavia United Way is committed to education, and we're proud of our programs that foster learning. Most importantly, we believe that learning to read and to love books very early makes a huge difference."
This program has been widely researched and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library was launched in 1995 by The Dollywood Foundation, providing free books to children in Parton's home area of Sevier County, Tennessee. Since launching, it has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world.
The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has gifted over 200 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. This is achieved through funding shared by The Dollywood Foundation and local community partners like Batavia United Way. The goal of the program is to inspire a love of books and reading among children.
Children must be registered by a parent or guardian in order to receive the books. There is no charge to register or receive the books. Age-appropriate books are mailed directly to the homes of registered children each month. Children will begin receiving books at their home addresses about 8 to 10 weeks after their forms are received and approved. The first book distributed is always the children's classic "The Little Engine That Could."
Parents or guardians may register their children online by filling out a brief form at bataviaunitedway.org/imagination_library.
They also may register by completing a printed registration form found on the website and mailing to Batavia United Way, P.O. Box 372 Batavia, IL 60510.