IMAGINE if every child in Ponca City, Tonkawa, Newkirk, Kildare, Kaw City, Shidler, Burbank, Fairfax and Marland entered school ready to learn and with a love of reading. In 2019; United Way of North Central Oklahoma has launched the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through a gift provided by the Ponca City Literacy Council. 1,157 local children currently receive a FREE age-appropriate book mailed directly to their home until they turn five years old. By getting on board with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, the children will be able to lay the tracks for a promising future. “Our gift to your child is free books, your gift to them is the power to read and be ready for school, says Molly Kyler, UW President.
Created in 1995 by Parton, the Imagination Library aims to ensure that children have access to books in their homes, regardless of family income, with a specific goal to increase and encourage literacy among children. “Growing up in the Smoky Mountains was a real blessing. There were some tough times, but most of our life was full of the kind of riches money can never buy. One of my most precious memories is sitting in my mother’s lap and listening to her read me stories from the Bible. It felt so warm and cozy. My imagination soared to places far beyond our little cabin, “said Parton inspiring her to create Imagination Library.
United Way strongly supports early childhood education so that children will make a successful transition to adulthood. This is done with a focus on improving the quality of early childhood programs and promoting early literacy. Who is eligible? Preschool children ages birth to five who are resident in Kay County. How do I register? Apply online or you can Submit an official registration form from United Way, forms can be picked up at 205 N. 2nd St. Ponca City or Click HERE to print an official form.
Once you register your child for the Imagination Library, it will take eight to 10 weeks for the first book to arrive; the books will then continue monthly. Each child’s first book is the same, The Little Engine That Could. The age-appropriate titles are selected by a blue-ribbon panel of experts and offer outstanding themes and stories for your child. If you move, your books will not automatically forward. Please notify United Way of North Central Oklahoma at 580-765-2476 if your address changes.
United Way of North Central Oklahoma’s goal is to put a book in every child's hand birth to age five at no cost. With your help we can achieve this goal. If you would like to help sponsor this literacy program or need more information about United Way, call 765-2476.
