Little Rock, Arkansas - Today, the Forest Park Post Office in Little Rock saw a momentous occasion as the 5 millionth book sent to a child in Arkansas through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library was dispatched. The event was marked by a celebratory atmosphere, with board members of the Imagination Library joining forces with the United States Postal Service to send the book "Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!" on its journey to a young reader in the state.
Reece Dedman, a graduate of the Imagination Library program, was present at the post office to witness the milestone. He spoke passionately about the impact the program had on him, highlighting how it inspired his imagination and fostered a love for reading. Dedman's words echoed the sentiment of Dolly Parton herself, who established the free book gifting program in 1995 to ignite a passion for reading in children under the age of five.
Since the Arkansas Imagination Library board began its journey in 2005, ten years after Parton's initiative, over 84,000 children in the state have benefited from the program. Dedman, who received 60 books from the program, expressed his gratitude and shared that he still cherishes each one, including his favourite, "Coat of Many Colors."
Fred Leonard, Chair of the Arkansas Imagination Library Board, emphasized the program's two-generational approach, encouraging parents to read to their children and fostering a love of reading in the next generation. He highlighted the crucial role reading plays in everyday success.
The state board partners with local organizations to raise funds for the program, with the state board matching these contributions. Sarah Argue, director of the Pulaski County Imagination Library, shared her unwavering belief in the program's potential to bridge the gap in book access for children.
"It was a natural fit, it was exciting, it is such a tremendous opportunity," she said. "We know through research one of the best things we can do for childhood development is to make sure kids are reading."
Dedman, inspired by the program's impact on his own life, urged other young readers to embrace the joys of reading. He stressed that reading not only expands knowledge but also fuels imagination.
The Imagination Library has made a significant impact nationwide, benefiting one in seven children under the age of five. Parents interested in enrolling their child in the program can visit arkansasimaginationlibrary.org.
