DeWine storytime in Columbiana County encourages literacy in young children

LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) – Ohio’s governor and first lady were in Lisbon on Monday to encourage younger children to read by reading them a story.

Mike and Fran DeWine visited the Columbiana County Women, Infants and Children office to see one of ten new “reading nooks” at WIC locations around the state.

“We think it’s important because reading is the key to learning. It’s the key to everything,” Fran said.

Since 2019, more than 400,000 Ohio children up to the age of 5 have signed up to be part of Dolly Parton’s “Imagination Library” project, including about 3,200 in Columbiana County alone.

“The benefits of it, to set a child up for success in life, are immeasurable. I mean, it sets them up for the academic journey going into kindergarten,” said Lisa Vittorio, with The Brightside Project.

The Salem-based Brightside Project is the Columbiana County partner for the program and provides half the funding as the local match with the state.

“They receive a free book every month, mailed directly to their house, and ‘Dollywood,’ Dolly Parton’s ‘Imagination Library,’ they have a blue ribbon committee that chooses the books for every age group,” Vittorio said.

“It’s really consistent with what we’re trying to do throughout our administration, which is put a real focus on literacy,” Gov. DeWine said.

The DeWines say that’s one more important step to make a difference in the development of Ohio’s kids.

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