Expanded Imagination Library Brings Free Books to All Erie County Children

In a significant move to enhance early childhood literacy, the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, in partnership with Assemblymember Jon Rivera, has expanded Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to encompass all of Erie County. This initiative ensures that every child under five can receive a free, age-appropriate book each month, fostering a love for reading from an early age.

 

Assemblymember Rivera emphasized the urgency of this expansion, stating, "This expansion is especially meaningful at a time when our nation is facing a literacy crisis." He highlighted that many children enter kindergarten already behind, a situation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. By broadening the program's reach, the goal is to address these disparities and provide equitable access to educational resources.

 

Trina Burruss, CEO of United Way Buffalo and Erie County, echoed this sentiment, asserting, "At United Way, we firmly believe that a child’s zip code should not be the determining factor in whether or not they will succeed." The expansion aligns with the organization's mission to eliminate geographical barriers to literacy and educational success.

 

The Imagination Library, founded by Dolly Parton, has a proven track record of promoting early literacy by mailing free books to children from birth until their fifth birthday. Since its initial launch in select Erie County zip codes, the program has distributed over 20,000 books, demonstrating its impact and the community's enthusiasm.

 

Families interested in enrolling their children or supporting the program can register online through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library website. This expansion represents a collaborative effort to ensure that every child in Erie County has the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in literacy, setting the stage for future academic and personal success.