Young readers in Kentucky are set to receive a significant boost in literacy, thanks to a generous $100,000 grant for the Imagination Library of Kentucky, an initiative created by country music icon Dolly Parton. The Kentucky Association of Health Plans made the announcement on Monday morning, emphasizing the importance of early literacy in childhood development.
Katherine North from the Kentucky Association of Health Plans expressed the essence of the initiative, highlighting the joys of reading, such as the comfort of being read to and the inspiration found in books. She stated, “It’s the curling up on a lap, it’s having something of your own, it’s flipping through the pages and being inspired; it’s wonderful seeds we’re planting into our youth.” This donation is set to expand the program’s reach, allowing more children in all 120 counties of Kentucky to access a free book each month from birth until they turn five.
First Lady Britainy Beshear joined the event and encouraged parents to involve their children in this beneficial program. A local child, Hank Suttles, shared his excitement about receiving books, highlighting the program’s impact on young readers.
This initiative not only fosters a love for reading among children but also lays the groundwork for their future academic success. By providing children with quality literature at an early age, the Imagination Library aims to instill vital literacy skills that will benefit them throughout their education.
For parents interested in signing their children up for this worthwhile program, a simple registration process is available online.
In a time when literacy is fundamental to personal and academic growth, this boost in resources through the Imagination Library signifies a hopeful step toward ensuring that all children in Kentucky have the tools they need to succeed.