News and Articles
05/24/2017
Santa Fe County Funds Imagination Library for Third Year - Survey Results Show Positive Impact on Reading in Santa Fe County
The Santa Fe Community Services Department is pleased to announce the release of $75,000 to partner with the United Way of Santa Fe County for a third year to bring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to the children and families of Santa Fe County. 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 mailbox, each month from the day the child is born until he/she is 5 years old. Books are selected by a national panel of experts. There are currently 1200 kids enrolled in the program.
The United Way of Santa Fe County in early 2017 sent a survey to all families enrolled. Approximately 260 families responded to the survey. Results showed that those enrolled in the family are reading to their children more; have other family members including parents and siblings that are also benefiting from the program; and have family members using the books to learn English. Community Services Department Staff and the United Way of Santa Fe County presented these results to the Board of County Commissioners at the April 11, 2017 meeting.
For enrollment in the Imagination Library, please call 505-819-0137.
Santa Fe County also provides funds to local libraries in Santa Fe, Espanola, Edgewood and Eldorado.