Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Rotary members discuss 'Imagination Library'

Children who have access to books have a jump start on reading and learning. Thats an opinion shared by many and the reason the Clark County United Way is including the Imagination Library as one of their newest programs.

Arkadelphia attorney Elaine Kneebone told members of the Gurdon Rotary Club on Sept. 28 that the Imagination Library was initiated by country singer Dolly Parton. Kneebone said that Partons story is one of a childhood in a very poor, very rural area of Tennessee.

She had one book, Kneebone said. And that was the Bible.

She said Parton has often cited fond memories of sitting on her mothers lap while her mother read from the Bible.

When Parton made it big in the entertainment industry, she started a program in her home county that provided one book every month to every child less than five years old. The program was such a success that it became state-wide and is now reaching other states as well. Kneebone said Clark County is among the first in Arkansas to implement the Imagination Library.

Heres how it works.

Any child under five can be registered through the Clark County United Way. Theres no charge and no criteria other than age. Kneebone said the program is for all children, not just those who meet specific income guidelines. The reason?

She said that Parton was so conscious of the fact that she often received benefits because of her familys financial status that she didnt want this program to be perceived in that light. Kneebone said its also important for all children to receive books - not only those who are from poor families.

Once a child is registered, he or she receives a package in the mail each month with a new book.

The first book is The Little Engine That Could, because it was reportedly Partons favorite book. That book includes a message to parents about the importance of reading with children and tips for making it happen.

After that book, each book is age-appropriate. All books are hard cover with the earliest books available in pasteboard designed to hold up to toddlers handling.

Kneebone said she encourages every family to sign up, even if they can (and do) purchase books for their children. She said she estimated the total number of children in Clark County, and that the Ross Foundation has agreed to pay for the books for every child.

We want to get every child in Gurdon signed up, Kneebone said.

She said those parents who feel they can afford to participate in the program financially can do so by making a donation to the Clark County United Way - now in the heat of the annual fundraising campaign.