Sno-Isle Libraries is excited to partner with United Way of Snohomish County on Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Since starting in 1995, the program provides free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income.
Books and stories are a cornerstone for early learning. The American Academy of Pediatrics promotes the “5Rs” of early education to build critical skills that support heathy brain development. “Read together every day with your child” is the first one on the list:
- Read together every day with your child
- Rhyme, play and cuddle with your child every day.
- Develop Routines, particularly around meals, sleep, and family fun.
- Reward your child with praise for successes to build self-esteem and promote positive behavior.
- Develop a strong and nurturing Relationship with your child as the foundation for their healthy development.
A library card is a great way for children and their families to access a steady supply of reading materials; however, it is also important for young readers to have their own home library. Children enrolled in the Imagination Library receive one book each month mailed directly to them.
The books in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library are selected by a panel of childhood literacy experts who review hundreds of potential titles for inclusion in the program. Recent studies suggest participation in the Imagination Library is positively and significantly associated with higher measures of early language and math development.
Over the next several months, Sno-Isle Libraries will host a series of registration drives (listed below) for families to register for the Imagination Library program and get books into the hands of young readers.
- June 29, 2:00 PM − 3:00 PM − Snohomish Library
- July 8, 10:00 AM − noon − Mill Creek Library
- July 20, 9:00 AM − 11:00 AM − Marysville Library
- July 22, noon − 2:00 PM − Old School Park, Darrington
- July 26, 10:00 AM − noon − Brier Park Picnic Shelter
- Aug. 1, 10:00 AM − noon − Mountlake Terrace Library
- Aug. 2, 10:00 AM − noon − Mukilteo Library
- Sept. 19, 6:00 PM − 6:45 PM − Mariner Library
- Sept. 23, 10:00 AM − noon − Lynnwood Library
