Shelby added to program that sends free books to children

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Last year, three Armada women began working together with the Four County Community Foundation to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to children within the foundation’s footprint.

Also last year, the Shelby Community Foundation merged with the Four County Community Foundation.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sends free books to children from birth to age five, and to date, more than 120 million age-appropriate books have been mailed to children across the United States. Children enrolled in the program get one free book per month, for a total of 60 books.

The Four County Community Foundation’s Imagination Library Fund led to a program to enroll children that was launched in May on a limited basis. Currently, 442 children in the area served by the Four County Community Foundation have been enrolled, and many have received their first books. In October, the organizing committee voted to expand the program to Shelby Township residents in ZIP code 48316. The program now serves children in 16 communities, including Washington Township and Romeo.

Carol McLaughlin said that, as an involved committee, they have done their research. 

“We know that creating literacy-rich environments has proven to generate effective situations to support the development of pre-reading and cognitive skills to ensure that children are prepared, not only for success in school, but also for success throughout their lives,” she said via email.

She said that access to books leads to longer and more frequent shared-reading opportunities. Access to a variety of books produces increased enjoyment of books and develops a positive attitude toward reading and academics.  

“Research proves that early reading experiences, the type that we want to provide by giving children access to books — and free ones, at that! — will provide ample opportunities to set them up for success in their academic futures, as well as in their life’s explorations,” she said.

She said she attended the monthly meeting of the Friends of the Shelby Township Library on Oct. 20.

“I explained that children from birth to age 5 living in ZIP code 48316 can now be registered to begin receiving a free book in the mail every month. Several members were familiar with the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and offered positive feedback. The Friends gave an enthusiastic response to my request for funding and donated $3,000. Their mission, of course, is also to promote literacy,” said McLaughlin.

She said that with additional funding, it may be possible to expand coverage to ZIP codes 48315 and 48317. Donations of any amount are welcome and greatly appreciated. To support The Friends of Imagination Library at Four County Community Foundation, send a donation to Four County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 539, Almont, MI 48003. Make the check payable to “Four County Community Foundation” and, on the memo line, write “Imagination Library,” said McLaughlin.

Kathy Markel, one of the founders of the 4CCF’s Imagination Library initiative, said organizers are thrilled to offer the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program.

“Getting books into the hands of young children is an investment in their future, and ours! The research tells us that children who grow up in homes with at least 20 books get on average three more years of schooling than children from bookless homes. The Imagination Library program delivers a book a month until the child’s fifth birthday. Our program currently has 442 children receiving books, and we are registering new children each month. Thanks to all of the donors who have sponsored a child or two or more,” she said in an email.

Julie Shanks, Four County Community Foundation Friends of Imagination Library committee member and mother of four, and a former teacher, said her two oldest children were in the program when it was sponsored by another organization.

“We live in Macomb County. Jeffrey’s books continued to come through his fifth birthday month; but at about 3 years old, Jenna’s stopped. I called the United Way of Southeastern Michigan — they funded the program at the time. I spoke with three different people who all had the same answer — the UW ran out of funding, so the program was discontinued. They finished children in their fifth year and then did not continue for any others. Since then, every now and again, I inquired about it (to the United Way). Same answer from UW, no funding,” Shanks said via email.

She said two school years ago and two more children later, she received an educational grant from Four County Community Foundation to benefit her former classroom.

“I then began to wonder if they could actually help with this personal endeavor. I reached out. We did some talking. Crazy thing — others in the area had been doing some research, too. We are now a committee, and we are now committed to get this going and keep it going,” she said.

She said they are working together with a few others to help with ZIP codes and coverage area and identifying what’s already covered. 

“We have had so many great supporters already. We are finding children to register daily, but every registered child comes with a cost to us,” she said.

To mail a book to a registered child, the projected cost for a book and mailing fees is about $150 per child for the duration of their registration in the program — 60 new books for $150.

The website for more information is DollyPartonsImaginationLibrary.com. Click on “Check Availability” to register a child.