Please note that earnest mom receives no compensation for this post, I just earnestly adore and cannot praise this FREE program enough!

 Dolly Parton created The Imagination Library in 1995 in her home county, in Tennessee. Her hope was to bring a love of reading to children in her community by delivering developmentally and age appropriate books to children. She wanted to be sure that no matter a family’s income, every child could have a library all their own. Fast forward to 2016, and over 1600 local communities provide the Imagination Library to over 750,000 children every month. 

We have been blessed that in 2010 when earnest boy was born our county in Michigan had an Imagination Library program where he built a library consisting of rich and classic books that were mailed to him every month from newborn until age 5. That is 60 books total, as a family just starting out we could not have hoped to create a collection of books like that for him. I was so grateful for such a wonderful program. When earnest baby was born, I assumed that since we had already had the Imagination Library in our home for one child, we would not be able to get it for her. Boy was I wrong, Dolly Parton wants every child to have their own library, no matter the number of children in your home!

Now living in Erie, PA we still receive a book a month for her, and she is always excited to get her very own book every month. We open it together, read it and then she gets to explore it. 

Here in Erie, The United Way of Erie County sponsors The Imagination Library and so long as you remain in Erie County your child will recieve a free book per month until they turn five.  The United Way of Erie County has gone one step further and created Reading Buddies. 

To maximize the impact of the Imagination Library, United Way of Erie County created Reading Buddies, a program that gives parents and other caring adults guidance and tips on early childhood reading. Developed by local reading specialists, Reading Buddies focuses on ways to increase the love of reading in young children.

The Reading Buddies program techniques are simple and proven! Parents and caring adults receive helpful tips and information on making the most of reading with their children. This leads to children being prepared for kindergarten and success in school! Children are welcome to attend Reading Buddies events, with activities provided in a separate, supervised area during the adult training. To attend an event near you, check out the Reading Buddies calendar! – United Way of Erie County Website

We have attended many Reading Buddy events here in Erie, we have met the cast of Erie Playhouse’s Rapunzel and Peter Pan plus enjoyed tips to encourage reading and literacy at home while the earnest kiddos got to play and do crafts. All free. Having benefited so much from the work that The United Way does here in Erie I hope to share this information so others can benefit too!

How so you sign up?! If you in Erie County PA, sign up here. Be sure to sign up for the United Way of Erie Newsletter and follow them on Facebook so you can be up to date on the fun events they have planned. For instance, today they have Reading Buddies planned (preregistration was required). 

Saturday, October 15 

Registration: 10:30am

Event: 11:00am – 12:30pm

Join United Way, the Erie Public Library and our friends at the Erie Playhouse for Reading Buddies with the Youtheatre cast of Arthur’s Halloween! Parents will learn helpful, everyday tips for reading with children. All families attending will receive lunch and free tickets to see a performance of the play at The Erie Playhouse! Families will be entered to win an interactive story buddy. 

Not in Erie, PA?! Thats okay, see if your county has their own Imagination Library Program here. The Imagination Library is currently available in Austrailia, Canada, United Kingdom and The United States. I earnestly recommend to take advantage of the this free program now. 

x. em. 

United Way of Erie County Website

United Way Of Erie Co Facebook Page

The Imagination Library Webstie