By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Reading is a gift that keeps on giving. That's why it's crucial to turn young minds onto books. Since 1995, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has donated more than 182 million free books to children in five countries, including the United States. In July, Governor Laura Kelly announced the state would assist in funding the program. And now United Way of Central Kansas is making it easier to access the program with online registration.
"Reading is just so important in those early years," said UWCK Director Charell Owings. "Not all of us have the opportunity, maybe, to get to the library or the bookstore as often as we'd like. This is at least getting, at a minimum, one book in that home a month for kids. It's age-appropriate. They're really good, high-quality books.
"I know from my own kids they are some of the ones we read on a consistent and regular basis. I have multiple of them memorized probably at this point because they are some of their favorites. They're really good books for kids."
The Imagination Library started in 1995 as a way to give books in Sevier County, Tenn., where the country legend grew up. Within 10 years, the program had extended to all 50 states. It is now open to any child ages 0-5 years. Participating families will receive one free book mailed to the home each month.
In July, Gov. Kelly's office announced the Kansas Children's Cabinet would begin matching dollar-for-dollar investments made by local Imagination Library programs.
"That cut our monthly bill in half, which is fantastic because that doubles the amount of time we have funding for," said Owings. "We're also really making a push to get more kids enrolled, and we have now opened up online enrollment."
In August, UWCK mailed 541 books to children in Barton and Pawnee counties. Since opening online registration just a week ago, the program has grown with 70 new participants.
CLICK HERE for online registration to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.