Imagination Library is on a Roll

Left to Right:  John Lipton of BCIDC, Carlton Davis and Waymon Mann of Rotary, and Roxie Wright of the Warren Branch Library kickoff the Imagination Station local program.  Photo by Kaylyn Johnson.

The Rotary Cub of Warren has adopted a worthwhile literacy project sponsored or started by the Dollywood Foundantion (aka Dolly Parton).  Basic information is available at www.imaginationalibrary.com.  The foundation selects and mails an appropriate-age book each month to enrollees from birth to the 5th birthday to improve literacy and increase parental reading to children.  The first book for each child is The Little Engine That Could.

Local involvement is for financing and registration of each child.  The cost is $24 per child per year.  Currently, there are 775 children in Bradley County under the age of five per the Department of Human Services, so the ceiling is currently $18,600 per year.  Initially, not all 775 would be enrolled, but th foundation experience has been nearly 75% coverage in a few years.  Enrollments are obtained in hard copy by the sponsoring organization an on the website,t he latter subject to acceptance by the sponsoring organization on the listing on the internet.  Monthly maintenance/update of the listing is required to include address corrections.

The Rotary Club in cooperation of the Friends of the Library will solicit cash donations nd, with the Bradley County Library attempt to reach parents who will enroll their children and read the books to the children upon receipt of each book in the mail.  The membership of the Bradley County Industrial Development Corporation has made a $5000 contribution to fit within their literacy goals and objectives.  The Rotary Club has pledged $5000.  Other civic clubs and businesses and indiviuals will be contacted.  Donations should be made payable to "Friends of the Library" which is a charitable organization within the definition of IRS code section 501(c) (3) for tax deduction purposes.  A receipt will be provided upon any donation.

For emphasis, we are seeking to enroll children below the age of five with a mailing address in Bradley County to receive a free book in the mail each month.

Persons with questions should contact Mr. Carlton Davis at 820-2822.