Imagination Library expands to Linefork, Roxana, Gordon

Pictured are (left to right) Whitesburg Rotary Club President Larry Whitaker, Rotary members Barbara Ison and Margaret Hammonds, and Rotary District Governor Jack McAllister.

At the May 20 Whitesburg Rotary Club meeting, District Governor Jack McAllister presented Rotary President Larry Whitaker with a check for $2,000 to expand the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program in Letcher County.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is an early childhood literacy program that provides an ageappropriate book each month to children from birth until they reach their fifth birthday. The goal of the program is provide children with books so they can be better prepared academically and socially to attend school. Having books in the home encourages parents to read to their children and encourages children to tell and retell stories, demonstrate knowledge of the alphabet, recognize letters and words, identify objects, initiate communication, ask questions and use words to express their feelings and thoughts.

Since the program started in January 2012, 530 children have received books through the program. Four hundred forty-six children are still receiving books. Books are mailed directly to the home at no cost to the children’s family regardless of household income. The program is available in Whitesburg, Jenkins, Burdine, Neon, McRoberts, Jackhorn, Isom, Letcher, Blackey, Jeremiah, Premium, Eolia, Partridge, Hallie and now expands to include Linefork, Roxana, and Gordon. All Zip Code areas in Letcher County will be included as funds are available.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination

Library is coordinated by Rotarians Margaret Hammonds and Barbara Ison. For more information on the program or to register a child, call Hammonds at at 633-8200 or Ison at 634-2106.