Free Age-Appropriate Books Offered for Pre-Schoolers
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio -- Children in Mahoning County will now be eligible to receive a free age-appropriate book each month through their fifth birthday thanks to a program introduced locally by the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.
The United Way, in partnership with Covelli Enterprises and the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, is launching Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which was started by the country singer in 1996. The early literacy program is open to Mahoning County children age 5 and younger. Once they register for the Imagination Library, the kids will receive a free age-appropriate book once a month until their fifth birthday as long as they live in the county.
United Way kicked off the program Wednesday with a press event at the Austintown Panera Bread.
"Today more than ever we need to invest in our young children’s future. The early years are the learning years and early investment matters to everyone." said Kathy Mock, director of education and initiatives for the United Way chapter. "A child who has difficulty reading in third grade is less likely to catch up. The Imagination Library gives children the gift of literacy and the opportunity to be successful at a young age and beyond."
Parents or guardians can register online or pick up registration forms at the United Way office, all library branches and various pre-schools and schools across Mahoning County. The books will be sent directly to the child's home.
"We really wanted to help champion a program that will make an impact on the lives of children living right here in our community," said Sam Covelli, owner/operator of Covelli Enterprises, which operates Panera Bread restaurants in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys. "The simple gift of a book can change the life of a child and we are looking forward to being a part of this special program in partnership with the United Way."
The Imagination Library forms a solid reading foundation for children as they progress through school, and is an important tool as they try to achieve the third-grade reading guarantee, said Bob Hannon, president of the United Way chapter.
"As we move to the Community Impact Model here at the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, the Imagination Library falls under our Success by Six Initiative," he explained. "We hope to focus on early childhood education so our children will be well prepared before they step foot into a classroom."
Additionally, the United Way chapter is partnering with the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County to create a “Reading Buddy” program associated with the Imagination Library. This program will provide parents and guardians the ability to help their children read.
"The library is always excited when an opportunity arises to put books in the hands of children. It is our hope that the Imagination Library project will inspire children to come to the library and where they can connect with even more books and enrich their lives," said Heidi Daniel, the library’s executive director. "Since reading and literacy are at the foundation of what we do, it’s only natural that we would be pleased at the opportunity to be a partner in United Way’s Imagination Library project."
The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will facilitate the Reading Buddy program. More information and dates for the program will be available soon, Daniel said.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
CLICK HERE to subscribe to our twice-monthly print edition and to our free daily email headlines.