![]() ![]() To enroll in the program, those chapters pay a small fee for children who are eligible to receive books. The money would go to nonprofits or other agencies that oversee the Imagination Library in their locality. The budget calls for $1.15 million in direct aid, which should be enough money to start programs in just about every county in Virginia. The 2024 state budget that takes effect July 1 includes even more money for the Imagination Library program. Matthew Fariss, R-Campbell County, to get a budget amendment passed by the General Assembly that currently funds $481,180 for one-half of local costs of joining the program. Lynda Harrill, who runs an Albemarle County-based sports and education nonprofit, has spent more than two years during the pandemic to establish Imagination Libraries in 20 localities that were not previously part of the program. Soon, the program could cover the entire commonwealth, with funding provided by the General Assembly. The program has spread across Southwest and Central Virginia in the past couple of years, where it reaches families in more than two dozen counties and cities from Lee County to Mecklenburg, north to Albemarle and beyond. Nearly two million books are shipped each month, according to leaders of The Dollywood Foundation based in Sevierville, Tennessee. It’s a very cool program.”ĭolly Parton’s Imagination Library has delivered nearly 200 million free books to children in five countries since the program started in 1995. “My daughter was drawn to the books,” Ryan said. The books, which ranged from lift-the-flap books to bilingual stories and classics, arrived in shrink-wrapped plastic, with a note from Dolly attached. Her 5-year-old daughter recently aged out of the program, but she signed up her 1-year-old son. “Once a month in the mail, a book appears,” said Ryan, who lives in Clifton Forge. Kids can begin receiving books from the time they are born, which means by age 5 they will have gotten 60 books - for free. The service, founded by the legendary country music singer nearly three decades ago as a way to help young children develop reading skills, delivers one book each month to any child under 5 years old who is signed up. Ryan’s two children have been enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for more than five years. Who wouldn’t be thrilled to receive a book from Dolly Parton? “Dolly sent me a book!” the child shouted. Katie Ryan remembers her daughter running excitedly from the mailbox, clutching a small package in her hands. To get stories like this one delivered to your inbox each day, sign up for our daily newsletter. ![]()
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