for free book program in Lake Stevens:
United Way and partners kick-off
Imagination Library on June 30
June 10, 2008
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is coming to Lake Stevens, giving children birth to age five the chance to get a free book each month in
the mail.
Launched in 1996, the Imagination Library is an innovative, national program that mails a brand new, age-appropriate book each month to every child enrolled. Now, United Way of Snohomish County and its partners are piloting the program in the Lake Stevens School District,
with a sign-up and family fun day on Monday, June 30 from 10-11 a.m.
at the Lake Stevens Community/Senior Center.
United Way, Sno-Isle Libraries, Lake Stevens School District, Academic Beginnings for Children, Lake Stevens Educational Foundation and the Rotary Club of Lake Stevens/Granite Falls are working together to inspire imaginations and spark a love of reading in young children. The goal is to sign up 700 children in the first year.
Performer Cyndi Soup will be on hand with a “whale” of a tale as she takes kids on a hunt for buried treasure with her pirate-themed program. Snacks, songs and stories are all on the program, with the main purpose of signing up infants, toddlers and preschoolers to receive free books throughout the year. Thanks to a benefit book drive by Borders in Everett, all children attending the kick-off will take home a free book that day.
“Reading is one of the best ways an adult can interact with a young child. It develops strong emotional bonds, builds vocabulary and promotes school readiness. Besides, it’s just fun for both parents and kids,” says Katrina Ondracek, senior manager of early learning at United Way of Snohomish County.
Children enrolled as infants can receive up to 60 high-quality books while in the program, selected by a national panel of pediatricians, educators and early learning experts. Titles include such classics as the first book, “The Little Engine That Could,” and newer publications such as the last of the series, “Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten.”
Along the way, children will be getting better prepared for kindergarten too.
“United Way is excited to help bring this national program here. The Lake Stevens School District is very engaged in early learning, and all the right partners were here. Academic Beginnings for Children has also been sponsoring a campaign to encourage reading to children for 20 minutes each day, so Lake Stevens is an excellent community in which to launch this program. We also appreciate the support the whole community has shown so far,” Ondracek said.
The cost of the program is $27 per child per year. United Way hopes to raise additional funds to expand the program to more children. To donate or for more information, contact Katrina Ondracek at 425.374.5533 or katrina.ondracek@uwsc.org.
Imagination Library Kick-off
Monday, June 30
10 – 11 a.m.
Lake Stevens Community/Senior Center (next to the library)
1814 124th Ave. NE
Related Links
Contact
Deborah Squires
Vice President
Impact, Marketing
& Communications
425.374.5501