BREAKING NEWS: In a remarkable achievement, the United Way of Whitman County has confirmed that over 1,000 children under age five are now enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This milestone represents an impressive 50% of all eligible children in the region, highlighting the program’s significant impact on early childhood literacy.
Board member Wanda Terry announced the achievement during a recent celebration, emphasizing that the local program is outpacing similar initiatives across the state. “We’re just excited to reach that,” Terry stated. “Because that’s been our longstanding goal since the program was launched in the county.”
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, initiated in 1995, aims to ensure that children have access to quality literature, regardless of their family’s financial situation. The program delivers a free book to each participant’s home every month, fostering a love for reading that sets the foundation for academic success. Launched in Whitman County in April 2022, this initiative has already distributed approximately 34,000 books to over 1,500 children.
The urgency of this program cannot be overstated. With enrollment rates across the state varying from 2% to 55%, Whitman County stands out as a leader in promoting literacy. Terry explained that this local success is the result of persistent community efforts, stating, “It truly is a community effort.”
Volunteers have been actively participating in outreach events to raise awareness about the program. Registration forms are available at key locations, including the Neill Public Library, the Whitman County Library District, and the birthing center at Pullman Regional Hospital.
Families benefit tremendously from this initiative. Terry highlighted the importance of providing children with their own personal libraries. “If a child is enrolled from birth until they hit 5 years old, they’ll receive a total of 60 books,” she noted, emphasizing the value of ownership in fostering a reading habit.
While the program has garnered support from local organizations, including Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and the Kiwanis Club of Pullman, Terry cautioned that financial sustainability remains a concern. Currently, 50% of funding comes from Washington’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, but future support is uncertain due to state financial challenges.
To celebrate the program’s success and honor Dolly Parton’s upcoming 80th birthday, United Way of Whitman County and Moscow/Latah County will host a joint fundraiser on January 18 at 3 p.m.. The event will feature a screening of the classic film “9 to 5” at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, with tickets priced at $15. This fundraiser aims to bolster community support for the reading initiative and ensure ongoing access to books for local children.
For further details about United Way of Whitman County and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, visit whitmanunited.org/imaginationlibrary.
This is a developing story—stay tuned for more updates on this vital community initiative.
