Imagination Library

What is the Imagination Library?

Launched by country music star Dolly Parton and The Dollywood Foundation, the Imagination Library fosters a love of reading among preschool children by providing them with a free hardcover book every month from birth to the age of five. The Westminster Rotary Club supports literacy through the Imagination Library.
 

Who benefits from the Imagination Library?

Over 450,000 children receive books each month. The program supports early childhood literacy and a life long love of reading. The Library has programs in over 900 communities across Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. In 2011 they gave away the 25 millionth book.

How Does it Work?

Rotary clubs and other community groups help make the Imagination Library work. Participating communities provide access to the program for all preschool children in their area. They promote the program, register children with the Imagination Library, and pay for the books and mailing. Once a child is registered, the Dollywood Foundation takes over sending the child a new book each month.

How Much Does it Cost?

Local communities are billed each month based upon the number of books mailed to their children. The average cost of the books, labeling and mailing is $30.00 per year per child. The only additional expense is the cost of registration brochures.

The Westminster Rotary Foundation Involvement

Roger Gudenkauf is the official representative of the Westminster Rotary club’s involvement in the Imagination Library. Rotarians Gary, Barb D, Sharon and Kevin are also participating. Please let them know of your interest. Roger can be reached at 303-550-8854.

Here are two YouTube videos which may be of interest:

John Germ, Rotary International President video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9hltkkB8_c&feature=youtu.be
 
Pam Toler, Brain Science video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeNoqS6AccA