Carter County, third largest Imagination Library affiliate in state

Kathryn Daugherty, a former elementary school teacher in Elizabethton, and her daughter, two-year-old Evelyn (granddaughter of Christy Estep and Jeff “Farmer John” and Crystal Daugherty), are pictured reading “Ice Cream Face,” one of the 60 books Evelyn will receive through the Imagination Library.

Research has proven if children read on grade level by the end of the third grade, they will reach and exceed academic expectations. Through an effective childhood program, such as the Imagination Library, we can help our community children foster a love of reading.

From birth to age five, each child enrolled in the Imagination Library will receive one book per month, at no cost to the family, regardless of income. The books sent are new, age appropriate, and high quality; they are considered among the very best available for preschoolers. With 91.43% of Carter County children enrolled in the program, more than 2,200 books are sent out to children of Carter County/Elizabethton City monthly. This amount makes Carter County/Elizabethton City the third largest program/affiliate in the state; yet, we are striving for 100% participation.

Though Dolly Parton founded the Imagination Library, her Dollywood Foundation only provides the organization, book selection, and volume purchasing. Half of the funding is provided by the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation. The Carter County/Elizabethton City Imagination Library Board is responsible for the remaining half, which is approximately $2,500 a month.

The Imagination Library Community Awareness Committee includes Kathy Bowman, Catherine Edwards Bunton, Pam Egeler, Gaye Lee Jones, Dr. Billye Joyce Fine (Chairman) and Creola Miller (President).

CM0721 CC Imagination Library

Contributed Photo

Pictured are Kathryn Daugherty and her daughter, two-year-old Evelyn.

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