UPDATE: Whitman County has just reached a remarkable milestone in childhood literacy, enrolling over 1,000 children under age 5 in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This achievement, representing 50% of eligible children in the area, showcases the community’s commitment to fostering a love of reading.
The United Way of Whitman County, which launched this program in April 2022, confirmed the breakthrough today. Board member Wanda Terry expressed excitement about the program’s success, stating, “We’re just excited to reach that,” emphasizing the goal of promoting early childhood literacy.
The Imagination Library, founded in 1995 by country music icon Dolly Parton, aims to ensure that children have access to high-quality books, regardless of their family’s income. Each month, enrolled children receive a free book delivered directly to their homes, at no cost to families.
Since its inception in Whitman County, approximately 34,000 books have been distributed to over 1,500 children. This local program is outperforming many state partners, where enrollment rates vary between 2% and 55%. Terry noted that larger counties, like those surrounding Seattle, often report lower participation rates, making Whitman County’s achievement even more impressive.
“It truly is a community effort,” Terry said, acknowledging the numerous volunteers and partners who have made this milestone possible. Local organizations are pivotal, with registration forms available at key locations such as the Neill Public Library and the Whitman County Library District’s 14 branches.
The program’s impact on families is profound. “If a child is enrolled from birth until they hit 5 years old, they’ll receive a total of 60 books,” Terry highlighted, stressing the importance of providing children with a personal library they can keep.
However, funding remains a concern. Currently, Washington’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction supports 50% of the program’s funding, but this support is not guaranteed due to potential financial issues within the state. Terry pointed out the necessity of local community support, thanking key contributors like Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Addium-METER Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Pullman.
In celebration of Dolly Parton’s upcoming 80th birthday, United Way will host a joint fundraiser on January 18, 2024, at 3 p.m.. The event includes a screening of the film “9 to 5” at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, with tickets priced at $15.
For more information about the United Way of Whitman County and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, visit whitmanunited.org/imaginationlibrary.
This initiative not only enhances literacy but also strengthens community ties, making it a vital program for the future of Whitman County’s children.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
