Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program launches in Powhatan

POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Parents and children gathered at Powhatan County Public Library on Wednesday for the launch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

The program, which sends an age-appropriate book in the mail to participating children from birth to age 5, has delivered more than 90 million books to children in more than 2,000 communities worldwide.

According to program organizers, 225 children in Powhatan signed up to take part in the program in the first month alone — more than twice as many as they predicted.

“Reading creates connection with parents and children when they’re able to do it together, or grandparents and children, whoever their caretaker might be. It’s just a positive, mindful moment,” said Dolly Parton Imagination Library Coordinator Sara Huotari.

Victoria Abbott takes her daughters to the library every Wednesday and knows how important literacy is for early development, having previously taught preschool.

I’ve always loved books, especially the Dr. Seuss collections,” said Abbott. “So I was super excited when I came here and I saw that the one of the books that they could choose was [written by] Dr. Seuss.”

Abbott said programs like this are important, not only to open kids’ imaginations and give them a head start for school, but also to encourage parents to help their kids explore all the benefits reading has to offer.

“It allows them to know their words and be able to communicate with you effectively,” Abbott said about the power of reading. “My girls started off with sign language first when they were six weeks, along with English and French. So, I felt like it’s a really good idea to start reading.”

To register your child for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, click this link .

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