News and Articles
04/27/2015
Santa Fe County Expands Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Over 680 Santa Fe County children enrolled in early literacy program. This week Santa Fe County is pleased to announce that United Way of Santa Fe County has enrolled over 680 children to receive free books from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library since program inception.
Due to the amazing community response, Santa Fe County has increased the funding for the program by an additional $10,000. Originally, Santa Fe County distributed $50,000 for the program. The additional funding will allow enrollment of up to 725 children by the end of 2015.
“Our goal was to enroll 500 children the first year; we achieved that the first three months,” states Rachel O’Connor, Community Services Director with Santa Fe County. “Families are excited about this fabulous new program and have been eager to get their children enrolled,” said Katherine Freeman, CEO of Santa Fe County United Way.
The Imagination Library program was founded by Dolly Parton in 1995 to increase reading among young children. The program provides a carefully selected book that arrives in the mail each month from the day the child is born until he/she is 5-years-old. Santa Fe County partnered with United Way of Santa Fe County in December of 2014 to spearhead enrollment efforts and to serve as the “local champion”.
In addition, with generous support from the Brindle Foundation, the first shipment of books in Spanish has been sent to 125 young children and their families.
To enroll in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, please call 505-216-2984.
Santa Fe County also provides funds to local libraries in Santa Fe, Espanola, Edgewood, and Eldorado.