Published: March 26, 2008 04:49 pm      

A love of reading: Dollywood Foundation making a difference

We salute the Dollywood Foundation for helping to make a big difference in McDowell County by promoting a love of reading among children.

Just 10 months after the Dollywood “Imagination Library” program was implemented in McDowell County, officials are now reporting a phenomenal 106 percent participation level. The program ensures that all participating children can receive age-appropriate books in their homes regardless of their family’s income.

As part of the program, parents or grandparents who agree to read aloud to their children or grandchildren may register the children for free books at the McDowell County Public Library or its branch offices.

The books are then mailed to the children’s home each month until their 5th birthday, according to Robin Taylor, director of the Imagination Library program. The first book received by a child participating in the program includes a letter signed by country music superstar Dolly Parton.

Taylor said the Dollywood Foundation originally estimated there were 1,406 eligible children for the program when it was implemented 10 months ago. The agency projected that only 70 percent of the eligible children — or about 984 youngsters — would actually register for the program in McDowell County. However, more than 1,042 children in McDowell County have registered in the program to date, and are now having age-appropriate books mailed to their home each month.

That’s an incredible accomplishment, and a welcomed level of participation by the children of McDowell County.

Anything that can be done to promote a love of reading among area youngsters is welcomed and should be actively pursued by area officials. When we can receive help from an agency like the Dollywood Foundation, the local assistance and level of participation can certainly be magnified.

The Imagination Library program is currently active or planned in only a handful of West Virginia counties, including McDowell, Lincoln, Clay, Barber, Mingo and Webster counties. However, officials — buoyed by their success in McDowell County — are hoping to expand the program statewide in the future.

We salute the foundation and all of the participating children and parents in McDowell County for their willingness and desire to promote literacy and a love of reading among youngsters at such an early age.

If we can encourage a love of reading at an early age, it is a gift each child will carry with them throughout their elementary, middle and high school and collegiate years.