All children in South Central Nebraska, regardless of their family income, should have quality books of their own.
This belief spurred the United Way of South Central Nebraska to create a committee of community leaders dedicated to making this program a reality in our four counties of Adams, Clay, Nuckolls, and Webster. The United Way and committee members are diligently seeking enough support to establish Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in South Central Nebraska. The cost of the program is approximately $30 per child per year. The early literacy program operates on a simple premise: get bright, age-appropriate books into the hands of every enrolled child. The goal is to help develop childhood literacy skills before a child sets foot in a classroom.
What is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is all about inspiration and imagination. In 1995, Dolly developed the program so that every preschool child in her hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee would have their own library of books that would encourage in them a love of reading and learning. The program was so successful and generated such interest from across the country that, after much thought, Dolly decided to offer her Imagination Library for replication in any community that will support it.
How Does It Work?
Each month, from the day the child is born until his/her 5th birthday, a carefully selected book arrives in the mail. Each book is selected by a committee composed of parents, teachers, child development specialists, librarians, publishers, and others specializing in early childhood literacy. Special attention is given to age appropriateness and the development of such positive themes as promotion of self-esteem and confidence, regard for diversity, and appreciation of art.
How Can I Help?
The Imagination Library in South Central Nebraska is a program that requires ongoing funding to continue to serve children in the future. Please consider donating today. For more information call (402) 461-8412 or donate online!
How Do I Register My Child?
In order to serve as many children as possible, United Way asks that only one child per family be registered. If you choose to register multiple children, you have the option to sponsor each additional child for $30 per year. You can begin the registration process below:
Change of Address:
If your child’s address changes while they are enrolled in the Imagination Library, you must contact United Way of South Central Nebraska in order to continue receiving a book each month. Please note that the books cannot be forwarded by the U.S. Postal Service. If a child has books that are undeliverable for two months, their registration will be automatically deleted. If you registered with your email address on the Imagination Library website, you may log in and update your child’s current mailing address. If you need to change your child’s address in Adams, Clay, Nuckolls, or Webster County in Nebraska, please call or email us at 402-461-8412 cassie@unitedwayscne.org
Click on the links below to register!
If your child does not live in this coverage area, please contact your local affiliate. Contact information for your affiliate can be found by clicking the appropriate link below:
