Editorial
Front Page - Monday, February 01, 2010
Imagination Library is becoming a reality in Saline County
Rebecca Brockman
Dolly Parton is known for being a successful country singer, theme park owner and entrepreneur. But one of her passions doesn’t involve singing or profit.
About 15-years ago, Parton started a program called Imagination Library in her hometown in Sevier County, Tenn. Literacy drove the accomplished artist to create a way for every preschool-aged child to have their own library full of books. Due to its success, Parton allowed the program to be replicated in other communities.
Saline County is one of those communities that heard about the program and latched on. Derek Phillips, recreation superintendent with Bryant Parks & Recreation, said the program is a perfect fit for the county. During a meeting at the Bryant Chamber of Commerce last year, a committee was brainstorming ways to engage the youth in the area. “We were looking for something that was permanent, not just an event,” Phillips said. His co-chair, Patti Bokony discovered Imagination Library and introduced it to the group.
Imagination Library (IL) is free to kids from 0 to 5 years of age. Once the child is registered with IL, they will receive an age-appropriate book every month until his or her fifth birthday. According to IL promotional material, each hardcover book
is selected by a committee composed of parents, teachers, child develop-ment specialists, librarians, publish-ers and others specializ-ing in early childhood literacy. The first book a child receives is The Little Engine That Could. Phillips explained that this is IL’s sig-nature or fea-ture book. The last book they receive is Look out Kindergarten Here I Come.
Although the literary program is a great fit for Central Arkansas, funds must be raised before the books can be mailed. Currently, Phillips and his committee need to raise $35,000 to get things started. “You have to have the money in hand first,” Phillips said. In order for the program to be successful and last for more than just a few years, monetary support needs to be in place. Individual and corporate sponsorships are available. The average cost for each child is $30 per year. The committee has partnered with Summit Bank, allowing anyone to contribute directly to IL at any branch in Saline County.
Phillips said there are between 6,000 and 6,3000 children in Saline County. He’s even worked out the most detailed mathematical equation,
“If everyone in Saline County
could give $2, we could fund this program for 10 years.” He realizes everyone is not able to give, but you have to give him credit for having a good imagination.
Phillips went on to share some startling statistics, saying that approximately one-third of the children in Saline County score below the “proficient” level on the third grade literacy exam. Additionally, poor reading ability is linked to school dropout, teen pregnancy, lower paying jobs and a repetitive cycle of financial hardships. That is why Parton targeted such a young age group. Her belief is that, “the key to success in school and beyond is developing proficient reading skills.”
Right now Phillips and his committee of about 40 people are planning a fundraising event for late spring or early summer. In addition, they are working on submitting grants and raising awareness about the program.
He’s received some guidance from other local IL affiliates in Prairie and Clark County. “I’ve spoke to both counties and they are doing quite well,” Phillips said. A good support system and help from the community keeps Phillips encouraged and positive. During a recent presentation at the Benton Bryant Realtors Association, two people came up to Phillips and asked to get involved. “We will take all the help we can get, everyone is welcome,” Phillips said.
For additional information, visit the Imagination Library’s Web site at www.imagination libraryofsalinecounty.com or contact Derek Phillips at 501-847-PARK.
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