EVERETT, JULY 17- Over 100,000 books have been shipped to children since August – for free – all over Snohomish County in partnership with United Way of Snohomish County (UWSC) and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
UWSC partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to serve children up to five years old in Snohomish County to increase childhood literacy rates, foster a love of books, and promote a reading culture among all families in Snohomish County.
“Access to early literature helps shape future academic success and lifelong learning,” Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of UWSC, Maya Hemachandra said, “100,000 books is a testament to our community’s commitment to childhood literacy and the power of collaboration.”
Imagination Library founder Dolly Parton was inspired to start the non-profit in 1995 after her father struggled with reading and writing literacy. The project has spanned across five countries with over 200 million books donated so far.
“Knowing that so many families within our community are benefiting from this program and receiving these books is a huge milestone we are proud to celebrate,” Hemachandra said, “Every book delivered brings us one step closer to ensuring all children in Snohomish County have the resources they need.”
The books sent out by the Imagination Library are selected by the Blue Ribbon Book Selection Committee. The Blue Ribbon Book Selection Committee is a specially selected panel of early childhood literacy experts. To learn more about what books are selected each month, go to: https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/book-list/
To see how to sponsor the program and to register your child, visit: https://www.uwsc.org/freebooksforkids
