Cuyahoga County, Ohio: October 2024 marks an important milestone for The Literacy Cooperative. Two million books have been mailed to 75,000 Cuyahoga County children since the program’s introduction here. Every month, more than 39,000 free, high-quality, age-appropriate books are mailed to children under 5 in the county. Imagination Library helps to build a love of reading, creates a home library of up to 60 books, and fosters a strong educational foundation for children before they enter kindergarten.
“This program introduces families to high-quality books they might not otherwise find or choose, providing enriching experiences and fostering brain development during the first three years of life, the critical window of opportunity for language development,” says Joan Spoerl, Director of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Cuyahoga County.
The program was launched to address a critical need in Cuyahoga County, where 56% of all kindergartners are not on track to read at grade level. Children not ready for kindergarten tend to remain behind throughout their school career with higher levels of absenteeism, lower levels of graduation, and fewer prospects for employment.
“It has been such a joy seeing my daughter’s face light up when her Imagination Library book comes in the mail each month. This program helps me get age-appropriate, quality books for my daughter that I cannot afford,” shared Imagination Library parent, Nichole S.
The Literacy Cooperative encourages all Cuyahoga County families with children under the age of five to join the program, as research shows that it has a significant, positive impact on early childhood development:
- Builds the foundation to learn to read: Reading to a child and exposing a child to words, sounds, letters, and print lays the foundation for learning to read. Our most recent survey of Imagination Library families revealed that 78% reported that they are reading more with their child leading to 90% believing the program helps their children prepare for kindergarten. Stronger Family Bonds: Reading together as a family promotes a love of reading, strengthens family bonds, and creates valuable shared experiences. Equal Access: The program ensures access to high-quality books for all children, regardless of their family’s income. This is crucial for narrowing the literacy gap, as research shows that access to books has a significant impact on a child’s educational attainment.
Families looking to enroll their child under the age of 5 can do so by visiting The Literacy Cooperative’s website at www.literacycooperative.org/imagination-library.
A donation of just $25 provides a child enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library with enough books for a whole year. To support this vital program, visit The Literacy Cooperative’s website at www.Literacycooperative.org/donate.
About The Literacy Cooperative:
The Literacy Cooperative’s mission is to advance literacy through raising awareness, advocating for public support of literacy initiatives, and strengthening the network to improve literacy across the lifespan. Learn more at www.literacycooperative.org.
About Literacy in Cuyahoga County:
- 56% of all Cuyahoga Country kindergartners are not on track to read at grade level.
- Children without basic literacy skills are four times more likely to drop out of school.
- 54% of Cuyahoga County adults are not at a proficient level of literacy.
- The number of books in a home has a greater influence on a child’s educational attainment than a parent’s income.