The Imagination Library Inspires a Love for Reading
 | Author:
Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent |
The Imagination Library Inspires a Love for Reading Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent Dr. Seuss once said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go”. Many of us know the magic of a good book and the educational value of reading. Now, thanks to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, children are developing a love for reading at an early age. This program has been in place in Broadwater County for over three years and since that time over 220 local children have participated. In 2022, there were 139 active participants, 27 graduates and 1,617 books distributed to children in the county.
The Broadwater Early Childhood Advocates (BECA) launched The Imagination Library (IL) in Broadwater County in October 2019. This program works in partnership with the Dollywood Foundation to provide free books to children from birth to age 5. In 2021, local oversight shifted from BECA to the Broadwater County Social Services Committee (BSCCS).
For the first time since the inception of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Broadwater County, a formal evaluation was conducted in December 2022. The evaluation showed that this program is already making a big impact in the community in just three years by increasing reading time, improving kindergarten readiness, strengthening family bonds and fostering a love for reading.
According to the survey, 77.6% of parent respondents felt they spend more time reading to their child because of the Imagination Library books and that their child spent more time reading and playing with books since enrolling in the program. Additionally, 75.5% of respondents felt that the Imagination Library has helped prepare their child for kindergarten by improving his/her literacy and indicated their child asked them to read more often since enrolling.
Moreover, 91.8% of respondents felt that their child's enthusiasm for books has increased since receiving Imagination Library books and 95.9% felt that the program has made a positive impact on their family. On the survey, parents were asked to share a story or experience on how the Imagination Library has influenced their child or family. Here are a few of the ways the program has impacted families in Broadwater County:
"We are unable to afford to just go buy new books at will, and this program has given us the opportunity to receive them anyways. Until my oldest aged out, he got them too, and both the kiddos have always been SO excited to get their books in the mail. Now, when his little sister gets hers, he is still so excited to read it to her. It's adorable and I love that they are learning to love reading and making these special memories together."
"The books are so diverse and so global, you really get to experience a small glimpse of different cultures, but in a very impactful way. Now that my son has outgrown the program, we still have books that are our favorites and books that we read over and over."
"Our daughter loves when we read books to her. She is 19 months old. We read to her at nap time and before bed. It has helped her identify so many things in the world including trains, planes, animals, sounds, colors, and shapes to name a few. The program has helped us afford the chance to help her grow and learn."
"We love getting all together and having family time while reading our monthly books."
"My daughter's favorite books have all come from Imagination Library! While we do have a nice selection of other children's books on the shelf, the first ones she reaches for are the IL books. The stories are unique, engaging, entertaining and educational."
"As a parent, I enjoy the cultural diversity and introduction to authors that I may not have found on my own."
Without a doubt, the survey confirmed the importance of this program in our community. There are two ways to support the program by either encouraging participation or financially. The Dollywood Foundation covers the administrative cost of the program while BCSSC funds the cost of books, postage and mailing. The local cost is $25 per child per year. This is made possible through grants, community organizations and donations. Donors and sponsors from the last two years are the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, Montana Community Foundation, United Way of the Lewis & Clark County Area, Walmart Foundation, Broadwater County Social Services Committee, Town Pump Charitable Foundation, Townsend Rotary, Blackfoot Communications, Don & Chris Hettinger and Mike & Diane Brown.
You can sign up for the Imagination Library at MSU Extension in Broadwater County or online at https://imaginationlibrary.com/. Click on “Getting Started,” then “Affiliate Locator” and follow the steps to find the program and signup. For more information, registration brochures or to donate, contact MSU Extension in Broadwater County at 266-9242 or allison.kosto@montana.edu.
