Janice Blair and Julie DeYong spoke on Douglas County’s chapter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Parton was inspired to support early childhood reading by her father’s advocacy for reading despite his own illiteracy. The local chapter was started by a grassroots effort and several local agencies serving children in Douglas County. Parton’s Foundation partially subsidizes the cost of books, sending books and providing record keeping. Local organizations cover mailing costs and the State of Kansas underwrites half of the local costs, $15.60 per child, per year. Children enrolled in the program receive a book in the mail each month until their fifth birthday. Currently there are 2,513 children in the local program. Funding is a challenge and volunteers are always welcomed.
