Effective July 1, Virginia will fund 50% of the costs of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

Effective July 1, Virginia will fund 50% of the costs of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.  This support will make it possible for affiliates, like the Literacy Council to reach out to more children. 

The Imagination Library was established 27 years ago by Dolly Parton in honor of her father.  Children age birth to 5  years registered in the program receive an age-appropriate book mailed to their home each month at no cost to their families.  A few of the imagination Library goals are to build "home libraries' for children, adopt a love of reading and improve school readiness.

A big thank you goes to House of Delegates member Matt Fariss (59th District) who submitted a Budget Amendment in January to have Virginia provide 50% funding and championed the Amendment through the budget process. and to Lynda Harrill, QuickStart Tennis of Central Virginia founder and QuickStart Coordinator who was an active proponent.
Many thanks to all members of the House of Delegates and Senate, including our local representatives and Governor Younkin for their support.  More than 2,400 children are age eligible on the Eastern Shore.  More than 500 local children are receiving an age-appropriate book each month and 62 local children have graduated from the program since the Eastern Shore Literacy Council began sponsoring the program  in September 2021.  

To sign a child up for the Imagination Library visit www.imaginationlibrary.com.