PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh officials and literacy partners are expanding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the city, setting a five-year goal to reach more than 65% of eligible children under age five with free monthly books.
The City of Pittsburgh announced June 18 that it is partnering with Reading Ready Pittsburgh, The Benter Foundation and other local supporters on a broader outreach campaign for the program. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails a free, age-appropriate book every month from birth until a child’s fifth birthday, giving each enrolled child the chance to build a home library of up to 60 books.
City officials said about 4,200 Pittsburgh children are currently enrolled, representing roughly 30% of the estimated 14,000 children under age five in the city. The new goal would more than double that reach, with expanded enrollment efforts planned through community partnerships, canvassing, city events and local recreation sites.
Mayor Corey O’Connor said the program is an investment in the city’s youngest residents, while Reading Ready Pittsburgh leaders framed the expansion as a way to support kindergarten readiness and help families make reading a regular part of early childhood. The city said the program is free for families and has no household income requirement.
The Benter Foundation has approved a $1.8 million investment over the next five years for the expansion. Families will be able to find enrollment materials at CitiParks locations, including pools and recreation centers, and can also register with help from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh locations across the city or online through Reading Ready Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh Times
editorial@thepittsburghtimes.com
Pittsburgh, PA
Be First to Comment