More than 1,400 children across LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam Counties are set to receive free books in the mail this month, thanks to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program, run locally by the North Central Regional Betterment Coalition, is celebrating its first anniversary as a provider. Organizers say their goal is to boost early childhood literacy by enrolling more young readers and encouraging additional community donor support. Since launching a year ago, the initiative has focused on inspiring a lifelong love of reading among children. Enrollment efforts and outreach to potential donors remain ongoing as the group works to grow the program further.
“We are most excited to be bringing this program to the children of North, South, and Western LaSalle County for the first time,” remarked NCRBC President J. Burt. “One year ago children in Earlville, Mendota, Utica, Streator, LaSalle and Peru had no access to the books from the Imagination Library.”
Studies show that infants who are regularly read to develop stronger language and cognitive skills by age four, advantages that often last into adulthood. The organization’s president, Burt, emphasizes the long-term goal of boosting future economic prospects by supporting early childhood literacy. Each child enrolled in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library receives books for five years, creating a continuous financial need. Supporters and potential donors can learn more or contribute at www.ncrbc.net.
“When we enroll a child, we are making a 5-year commitment to keep those books coming which creates an ongoing expense,” according to Burt.