Dolly Parton's Imagination Library - Kern County
Welcome to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program in Kern County, where we're kindling a lifelong love for reading in our youngest residents. Founded by iconic country singer Dolly Parton in 1995, this transformative initiative provides free, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, regardless of their family's income. By nurturing a passion for reading, we're preparing these children for a bright future. Learn how you can enroll your child, become a community sponsor, and be a part of our mission to enhance childhood literacy. Together, we're building a stronger Kern County, one book at a time.
Over 8,00 children, 0 - 5, enrolled since September 2023 and counting.
Discover how the Dolly Parton Imagination Library works in Kern County. Enroll: Parents or guardians can easily sign up their children aged 0 to 5 at our 22 local library branches or online. Receive: Once registered, your child will receive one free, carefully selected book each month, delivered directly to your home. Diverse Selection: We offer a wide variety of books, encouraging a love for reading and exposing children to different genres and cultures. Join us in fostering literacy and academic success in our community.
For just $13 per child aged 0 to 5 per year, you can provide a child 0 - 5 with one free book each month for an entire year through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program in Kern County. This low-cost investment has a profound impact on childhood literacy and sets the stage for a brighter future for our community. The cost for this program is covered by the generous support of Kern Literacy Council and community sponsors. Join us in making a difference in the lives of our youngest learners.
Community Sponsors
2024
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SB1183: Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program
Senate Bill 1183, recently signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, marks a significant leap in the pursuit of childhood literacy in California. Crafted in partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and garnering bipartisan backing from Senators Shannon Grove and Toni G. Atkins, the legislation lays the groundwork for the Imagination Library of California Statewide Program, poised for launch in mid-2023.
This visionary program will establish local partnerships in every county, ensuring the regular delivery of age-appropriate books directly to California's young readers each month, spanning from birth to their fifth year. The initiative responds to the timely needs of Kern County, grappling with pronounced challenges in literacy rates.
Acknowledging the crucial support from Senator Shannon Grove, Senator Toni Atkins, and Governor Newsom, the Imagination Library of California is an ambitious endeavor building on the success of its origin in 1995. The Imagination Library, a brainchild of Dolly Parton, has globally distributed over 186 million books, making a lasting impact on countless children.
Encompassing all 58 counties, the program extends eligibility to around 2.4 million children. The 2022-23 state budget allocates $68.2 million in one-time funding, a pivotal financial commitment facilitated through collaboration with The Dollywood Foundation under the guidance of the State Librarian. This underscores a dedicated effort to champion early childhood literacy throughout the state.
This visionary program will establish local partnerships in every county, ensuring the regular delivery of age-appropriate books directly to California's young readers each month, spanning from birth to their fifth year. The initiative responds to the timely needs of Kern County, grappling with pronounced challenges in literacy rates.
Acknowledging the crucial support from Senator Shannon Grove, Senator Toni Atkins, and Governor Newsom, the Imagination Library of California is an ambitious endeavor building on the success of its origin in 1995. The Imagination Library, a brainchild of Dolly Parton, has globally distributed over 186 million books, making a lasting impact on countless children.
Encompassing all 58 counties, the program extends eligibility to around 2.4 million children. The 2022-23 state budget allocates $68.2 million in one-time funding, a pivotal financial commitment facilitated through collaboration with The Dollywood Foundation under the guidance of the State Librarian. This underscores a dedicated effort to champion early childhood literacy throughout the state.
