KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Dolly Parton is a country music idol, actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Starting Wednesday, everyone at Heartland can share their love of reading.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library started in Tennessee and is now on its way to Missouri.
Imagination Library sends age-appropriate books to children up to five years old.
“It will allow for early literacy development, which is a great partnership between schools and public libraries,” said Adair County Library Director Dana DeVore. “So, we’re very happy that all of our families are able to do that.”
DeVore says all readings are free.
This was made possible by a new Missouri law that identifies school districts as local partners for the program.
Funding is included in the 2024 budget of the Department of Basic and Secondary Education (DESE).
Devore also told KTVO that the program will encourage children from a young age to become lifelong learners, which can help build a better connection between them and the library.
“This is a great opportunity for them to come to the library, look at books, get books and be able to read and read and be ready,” DeVore added. “We want them to be ready to go to school, the school is ready.”
The Adair County Public Library hopes that this program encourages children to continue reading and enjoy books even after they are five years old.
They want the public to know that they will be there.
“We’re here, we have a lot of books, and every day we want everyone to come and enjoy it,” said DeVore.
You can sign up for this program HERE.
If you have any questions about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, you can visit the DESE website or call your local library and school district.
