Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Launches in Butte County

Children in Butte County can now access free books delivered to their homes each month as part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This initiative, in collaboration with the Butte County Office of Education (BCOE), aims to foster early literacy skills among young children.

Michelle Lucero, Senior Director of BCOE Early Education Programs and Services, emphasized the importance of early reading. “When children read early and often, they build the language, confidence, and imagination to thrive,” she stated. The program is designed to support families with young children, ensuring that every child in the community has the opportunity to develop their literacy skills.

Since its inception in 1995, the Imagination Library has distributed over 300 million books worldwide. Research shows that this program positively impacts early childhood development and literacy, according to Lucero.

Parents, grandparents, and legal guardians can register children from birth to five years old at no cost. Families with multiple children can enroll each child separately, allowing all eligible children to benefit. Books will begin arriving at registered addresses approximately eight to ten weeks after registration, starting with the classic children’s book, The Little Engine That Could, followed by new age-appropriate titles each month.

Since its launch, the program has seen significant interest, with 800 children registered shortly after opening. “This is super exciting for us and for the kids,” Lucero noted.

To establish the Imagination Library in Butte County, a local nonprofit organization had to serve as the fiscal conduit for the program, qualifying for bulk mailing rates. The BCOE Charitable Trust agreed to take on this role, paving the way for the program’s launch. After a year of fundraising, supported by community organizations such as Oroville Friends of the Library, Chico Sunrise Rotary, and Chico Noon Exchange Club, the necessary funds were secured.

Lucero mentioned that approximately 11,000 children in Butte County could potentially register for the program. The annual cost per child is $31, but recent state legislation has enabled local communities to access funding that matches local contributions by 50%. This effectively reduces the annual cost to $15.50 per child, illustrating the state’s commitment to enhancing literacy.

To celebrate the launch of the Imagination Library in Butte County, BCOE is hosting a free event titled Lil’ Readers Rodeo: Ride into Reading with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library on November 20, 2023, from 17:00 to 18:30 at the BCOE Center for Learning and Resilience, located at 655 Oleander Ave., Chico. Attendees will enjoy light refreshments, reading activities for children, and the chance to take photos with a life-sized cutout of Dolly Parton.

For further information about the Imagination Library in Butte County, including registration details and opportunities to support the program, individuals can contact Lucero at 530-532-5763 or via email at [email protected].