A local program relayed through a country music legend’s foundation has returned to Langdon, aimed at promoting literacy for young children.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library brings an age-appropriate book straight to your mailbox once a month for children aged five years old and younger.
“This is something we really wanted to bring to the community,” said Langdon Community Association (LCA) chair Chrissy Craig.
Craig said the program is in its second year locally and has been a success so far within the hamlet. With more people staying at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and with libraries being less accessible, she said the program has picked up momentum among Langdon families since its inception.
“We have a full list [of applications] every time we have done this,” she said.
The LCA has secured funding to allow for 140 children to participate in the program. With an age range of five years old and younger, Craig said once a kid turns six, another name on the list is brought into the program in his or her place.
“We always have a couple of kids on the wait list who are waiting for a spot to open up,” she said.
Considering the program fills up so quickly, Craig said interested residents should visit goodlucktown.ca, where they can find a registration option. Once registered, if space is available, the applicant will be approved and can begin receiving books right away.
“When they get their new book, the first thing they want is for somebody to read with them,” she said. “The program also offers the connection between little ones and their families. It’s just an amazing program.”
The program itself, according to imaginationlibrary.com, originally launched in 1995, when books were distributed to children living in Sevier County, Tennessee – Dolly Parton’s hometown.
The site claims the initiative became such a success that in 2000, a national replication effort was underway. By 2003, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library had mailed one million books to kids around the U.S. Expansion to other countries quickly followed suit.
As of 2021, the program has donated more than 150 million books to children, according to the foundation. Currently, the program is offered in five countries, including Canada, Ireland, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.
“This is a really important program, because it provides age-appropriate books for children,” Craig said. “The children get excited when they go to the mailbox to get their new book.”
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
