APL announces new programs with Imagination Library expansion

Gov. Kay Ivey kicked off the nationwide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library during an official launch event on Wednesday September 9, and Covington County’s involvement through its libraries public are running strong.

Dolly’s Imagination Library is dedicated to instilling a love of reading by distributing free books every month for children ranging from birth until age five. The Imagination Library first launched at the Andalusia Public Library in 2011 when Curtis Simpson started the program.

Since the program’s launch, more than 9,800 books have been sent to children of Covington County. According to reports, up to 90 children receive books each year across the county. Like different programs, very first book library got included “The Little Engine that Could” written by Watty Piper. The children who graduate to kindergarten through the program will receive “Look Out Kindergarten”Here I Come” by Nancy Carlson.

“This is a fantastic incentive that encourages reading within Covington County.” the APL’s Children’s Library Director Caryl Lee Ray said. “When you get an item in the mail parents and children are able to sit together and share feelings of love and affection with one and read simultaneously. We’ve handed out fifteen to twenty brochures in recent weeks with librarians contacting us regarding the programs. Some libraries are reaching to me regarding how we can display our Imagination library space .”

Ray said to the APL is delighted to be part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“We are proud of the library’s readers and hope to start our kids in the lifetime journey of reading. It is the Imagination Library is a wonderful opportunity to introduce books in the home, and ultimately invite children to our library to continue their reading journey. Children copy the actions of their parents and it is crucial for parents and children to take advantage of this time spent together. It is better to have a break over app times. We invite everyone to take part the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and visit your local library to see if we can assist you. .”

Recent research in the field of the field of child development and neuroscience have revealed that reading out loud to your child aids in developing their reading abilities long before they can read. Furthermore, research shows that storytime isn’t only a great library activity but also the first step in relationships for kids with their local library.

The APL is soon to incorporate Dolly’s Imagination Library books into a new program dubbed Raising Readers starting on Friday, September. 1 at 9:15 a.m.

“This program is intended for mothers with babies from birth until one year old. It’s an opportunity for the mother, the child, as well as the library, to visit the library, pick up an infant’s bag filled with items as well as sing a song. perform a puppet show, and connect with other children while transforming the child to become an avid reader. The regular early childhood Story Time will continue to be held with a 10:30 a.m. every Friday,” Ray said.

The funding of this Raising Readers Program was made possible by the grant of $20,000 that was written by Susan Short of the Children’s Literacy Council. The grant was split equally among the Andalusia Public Library, Andalusia Elementary School, Opp Public Library, and Florala Public Library.

It was celebrated at National Book Lovers Day, Governor Ivey started expanding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library by recognizing the importance of reading proficiency.

“No regardless of what the child is being, the ability to read fluently is essential. The process of reading starts at the home. Parents are the first teachers we have at the end of the day. It’s crucial to start reading to their children as still infants. It is essential to encourage children to start reading books in their early developmental years,” Ivey said.

The Alabama program currently includes 55 local operation program partners that cover a portion from Alabama’s total 67 counties. More than 40,000 children who are eligible in Alabama are receiving high-quality, free books via these program. The plan is to set up local programs across every county in the state.

Covington County is one of 38 counties in the nation in which Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is currently offered along with Morgan County next to join.

“Whether you’re an educational institution or a non-profit organization I’m urging you to join Alabama in establishing an Dolly Parton Imagination Library available for children ranging from birth to five in all corners of Alabama,” she said.

For more information visit imaginationlibrary.com or call the Andalusia Public Library at 334-222-6612.

The article APL is planning a new program, including Imagination Library expansion appeared first on The Andalusia Star-News.