Letter to the Editor
Imagine books
Published Friday, October 23, 2009
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To the editor:
Dolly Parton started the Imagination Library in her home state of Tennessee in 1996. Her dream was that all children have access to books before they reach school age. Since she started, the Imagination Library has spread to all parts of the country and even around the world. Dolly maintains administrative support of the program through the Dollywood Foundation but leaves the legwork to be done by each individual community, showing their support for early literacy in their areas.
The North Star Imagination Library began registering children in the Fairbanks North Star Borough in March 2008. Since then, we have registered more than 3,000 children and graduated almost 700 5-year-olds. These children receive an age-appropriate book each month in the mail, at a cost of $2.50 per book. Children registered at birth will receive 60 books by the time they enter kindergarten, already embracing the world of reading.
Per Dolly’s wishes, this program does not survive without the support of the community. There are many ways to support the North Star Imagination Library, including contributions through the United Way. The North Star Imagination Library also will honor local Champions for Children at a dinner and fundraising auction Nov. 4.
All Imagination Library work is performed by volunteers so financial contributions go directly to covering the cost of books. More information is available at www.northstarimaginationlibrary.org or www.imaginationlibrary.com.
The goal of the North Star Imagination Library is to provide books for all children under 5 in the borough. In the past 19 months, thousands of books have been distributed in our community by the gracious postal carriers to the delight of children and families.
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