Families gathered at the Lincoln Children’s Museum Wednesday to celebrate three years of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Lancaster County, where more than 7,000 children are registered to receive free books each month. Linked2Literacy coordinates the local program, which serves children from birth until their fifth birthday, regardless of family income.
Kathleen Ousey, executive director of Linked2Literacy, told KLIN News the program is open to children throughout Lancaster County. “Every kid, no matter what their economic situation, there’s no requirements, other than they have to live in Lancaster County,” Ousey said.
The celebration gave families opportunities to explore the museum, decorate cookies, make books and choose free books to take home. Ellie Charter, the museum’s chief marketing officer, told KLIN News that watching children approach the books captured the purpose of the event. “It’s so empowering to know that you’re providing them with an object that they are going to love and learn from,” Charter said.
While the monthly deliveries are free for families, Ousey said they cost Linked2Literacy about $32 per child annually. With more than 7,000 children registered, the organization is seeking additional support to sustain the program. “We are so grateful that families are registering and getting books into their home, but we are looking for more community partnerships, corporate partnerships, individuals that want to help keep the books coming,” Ousey said.
Ousey said the organization launched its Imagination 100 campaign last month to bring individuals, businesses and community groups together to raise money and awareness. Charter also said donations of money and books can support literacy efforts.
Families can find a registration link on Linked2Literacy’s Imagination Library page, which also includes a link to donate. The organization says the first book generally arrives six to eight weeks after registration, with deliveries continuing monthly until the child’s fifth birthday.