Dr. Dawnt\u00e9 Early of United Way California Capital
\nRegion announces the launch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Sacramento
\nCounty at an Aug. 27 press conference at the Sacramento Central Public
\nLibrary. Courtesy photo<\/p>\n
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – <\/b>Sacramento County children from
\nbirth to age 5 can now receive one free book in the mail each month, regardless
\nof family income, through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. <\/p>\n
Since starting in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination
\nLibrary has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting international program.
\nThe flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a nonprofit organization, has
\ngifted more than 280-million free books in the United States, Canada, United
\nKingdom, Australia and The Republic of Ireland through funding shared by The
\nDollywood Foundation and local partners. <\/p>\n
The Imagination Library mails more than 3 million
\nhigh-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes each month.
\nEach child enrolled in the program receives one book per month for children up
\nto age 5 at no cost to families. <\/p>\n
Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, actress, author and
\nbusinesswoman Parton envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and
\ninspiring children to dream more, learn more, care more and be more. The
\nprogram’s impact has been widely researched and results demonstrate its
\npositive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills. <\/p>\n
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library launched Aug. 27 in
\nSacramento through a partnership between United Way California Capital Region,
\nSacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) and The Dollywood Foundation. <\/p>\n
Sacramento residents can sign up online at yourlocalunitedway.org\/our-work\/youth-opportunity\/dolly-parton-imagination-library
\nto receive the books.\u00a0<\/p>\n
United Way California Capital Region also manages
\nDolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Yolo County, which on Aug. 27 presented
\nits 100,000th book to a participating family.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“When we invest in a child’s imagination, we
\ninvest in their future,” said Dr. Dawnt\u00e9 Early, president and CEO, United
\nWay California Capital Region. “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is more
\nthan books. This program is about opening doors, sparking dreams and
\nimagination, and making sure every child, no matter their zip code, has access
\nto books from an early age.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
United Way and the Sacramento County Office of
\nEducation aim to enroll 65,000 children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
\nacross the county, 65% of the population eligible, within five years.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“The Imagination Library is a simple idea with a
\npowerful impact,” said David W. Gordon, Sacramento County superintendent
\nof schools. “By mailing a free book each month to children from birth to
\nage 5, we’re giving families the tools to build strong reading habits from the
\nstart. This program supports our Sacramento County READS literacy initiative
\nand reflects our commitment to literacy, equity and early learning because
\nevery child deserves the chance to thrive.”<\/p>\n
The program has received funding from United Way Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Dolly In California, the Imagination Library is also “We are thrilled to celebrate the launch of Dolly United Way California Capital Region has been a The Sacramento County Office of Education educates Sacramento County Office of Education programs and
\nCalifornia Capital Region, Sacramento County Office of Education, City of
\nRancho Cordova, City of Sacramento, Kellogg Family Foundation, Rotary Club of
\nElk Grove and Laguna Sunrise Rotary Club, and is seeking additional funders to
\nmeet their goal of serving all children in Sacramento County under age 5. To
\nlearn more about supporting the program, visit www.uwccr.org\/dpilsupport<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nParton’s Imagination Library began in Sevier County, Tenn. where Parton grew
\nup, and the library has expanded internationally. <\/p>\n
\nsupported by a 50% state match, administered through the California State
\nLibrary.<\/p>\n
\nParton’s Imagination Library in Sacramento County, home to our state capital
\nand nearly 100,000 little learners,” said Hallie Anderson, community
\nengagement coordinator for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of California.
\n“This partnership with United Way California Capital Region and Sacramento
\nCounty Office of Education is a powerful investment in early childhood
\nliteracy, bringing Dolly’s dream to life for many more children and inspiring a
\nlove of reading across the county.”<\/p>\n
\ndriving force across the region for more than 100 years, listening, responding
\nand taking comprehensive action to meet local needs. From advancing youth
\nopportunities and helping children excel in school to strengthening local
\ncommunities and investing in families’ financial security and health, United
\nWay mobilizes communities to build a future where everyone can reach their full
\npotential and thrive. Working across Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and
\nYolo counties, the local United Way provides books and literacy tutoring,
\naddresses housing and food security, leads the region’s largest tax-preparation
\ninitiative, works with foster youth across school districts, launched the
\nregion’s first guaranteed income program and leads the Community Schools
\ninitiative in West Sacramento. To donate, go online to YourLocalUnitedWay.org.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nmore than 30,000 children and adults each year, including thousands of district
\nteachers who attend training sessions and workshops. It provides support
\nservices to more than 253,000 students in 13 school districts. The Sacramento
\nCounty Office of Education provides technical assistance, curriculum and
\ninstructional support, staff development, legal and financial advice, and
\noversight to Sacramento County school districts. <\/p>\n
\nservices are available to schools, districts and other county offices of
\neducation across the region. Considered a leader of the Capital Service Region,
\na 10-county area consisting of Alpine, Colusa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer,
\nSacramento, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties; it is one of 58 county
\noffices of education in California. Sacramento County Office of Education staff
\nprovide year-round services that complement and supplement those offered by public
\nschool districts in Sacramento County. For more information about the
\nSacramento County Office of Education ‘s Sacramento County READS literacy
\ninitiative, visit online www.scoe.net\/sacramentocountyreads<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n