SCOTTSBORO — Helping children embark on a journey to a “lifelong love for reading,” the Dolly Parton Imagination Library is finding resounding success in Jackson County.
Since its inception in 2022, Jackson County has witnessed a surge in early childhood reading engagement, with 1,865 children receiving books through the program.
“Jackson County has embraced Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library with open arms and is witnessing the transformative power of literacy unfold before our eyes,” said Debbie Barclay, IMPACT Learning Center board member and founder of the Jackson County Affiliate of Imagination Library. “It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact reading has on our children’s lives. This is just the beginning of our journey to foster a lifelong love for reading, and I am excited to continue empowering our children through the magic of books.”
With an impressive 69% enrollment rate among children 5 years old and younger across the county, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is making significant strides in narrowing the literacy gap and enhancing academic success among young learners.
Children in the program receive age-appropriate books mailed directly to their homes each month, free of charge. If a child is registered at birth, they will have a 60-book library by the time they enter kindergarten.
Statistics reveal that children enrolled in the program exhibit an 8% increase in testing scores upon entering kindergarten.
“Science shows that a child’s brain is already 80% developed by age 3, which is why it is imperative that we get books into the hands of our children as early as possible to support their cognitive development,” said Barclay. “With the support of the community, we are promoting changes in home literacy environments, children’s attitudes toward reading, and early literacy skills.”
It costs $126 to sponsor a child for all five years, $26 for one year, or $2.10 for one month.
The community’s support has been pivotal in propelling the program forward. In 2022 and 2023, Alabama Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston secured $10,000 in Community Service Grants for the program.
“As communities nationwide come together to celebrate the importance of reading this month, Jackson County continues its commitment to empowering future generations through literacy,” said Livingston (R-Scottsboro). “Before the initiative gained statewide recognition, Jackson County’s commitment to childhood literacy was already evident.
“I am proud that we became an early adopter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and I thank Debbie and the IMPACT Learning Center for their continued leadership in championing programs that will make a difference for our children.”
Children may be registered online at www.imaginationlibrary.com. Donations may be mailed to the IMPACT Learning Center, 23123 John T. Reid Parkway, Scottsboro, AL 35768.
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