Children in Butte County will now have the opportunity to receive free books delivered to their homes monthly through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This initiative is the result of a collaboration between the international literacy program and the Butte County Office of Education (BCOE).
“When children read early and often, they build the language, confidence, and imagination to thrive,” stated Michelle Lucero, senior director of BCOE Early Education Programs and Services. She expressed excitement about the program’s launch, emphasizing its potential to benefit families with young children in the community.
Since its inception in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has distributed over 300 million books to children across the United States and internationally. Research has shown that the program significantly enhances early childhood development and literacy skills, according to Lucero.
Parents, grandparents, and legal guardians can register children aged from birth to five years old for the program at no cost. Each child in a family can be registered individually, allowing families with multiple children to benefit. After registration is complete, children will begin receiving books at their home addresses approximately eight to ten weeks later. The first book is always the beloved classic, “The Little Engine That Could,” followed by age-appropriate titles delivered monthly.
Since the program’s launch on November 7, 2023, BCOE has reported that 800 children have already registered. Lucero described this response as “super exciting” for both the organization and the children involved.
To implement the Imagination Library in a community, a local nonprofit must act as the fiscal conduit, ensuring that the book mailings qualify for bulk distribution rates. Additionally, the local entity must secure one to two years of funding to support the program. The Butte County Office of Education Charitable Trust took on this role, raising funds through donations from various community organizations, including Oroville Friends of the Library, Chico Sunrise Rotary, and Chico Noon Exchange Club.
Lucero noted that approximately 11,000 children in Butte County are eligible for registration. The cost to provide the program is $31 per child each year. However, thanks to new legislation passed in 2023, the state now provides matching funds from the state library system. This reduces the cost to $15.50 annually per child, reflecting the state’s commitment to promoting literacy.
To celebrate the launch of the Imagination Library in Butte County, BCOE will host a free event titled “Lil’ Readers Rodeo: Ride into Reading with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library” on November 20, 2023, from 17:00 to 18:30 at the BCOE Center for Learning and Resilience, located at 655 Oleander Ave., Chico. The event will feature light refreshments, reading activities, and a photo opportunity with a life-sized cutout of Dolly Parton.
For more information about the Imagination Library program in Butte County, including registration by mail and donation options to support the program, interested parties can contact Lucero at 530-532-5763 or via email at [email protected].
