Imagination Library serves hundreds

Published 1:30 am Friday, April 7, 2023

More than 870 children on Whidbey Island have been enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library since Whidbey Community Foundation became an affiliate of the program, according to a press release.

This program provides free books to all children under 5 years old in the county, regardless of family income.

Since December 2020, Whidbey Community Foundation has worked with local libraries, pediatricians, early learning professionals and others to spread the word about the program. Foundation Executive Director Jessie Gunn shared that the foundation would not have been able to reach as many children as it did in such a short time if not for the help of community partners.

Imagination Library is just one way Whidbey Community Foundation aims to support early learning on Whidbey. By acting as fiscal sponsor for the Partners for Young Children in Island County and by prioritizing early learning in past annual grant cycles, the foundation hopes to create a more vibrant island for even the youngest Whidbey Islanders.

Thanks to several donors — including the Uplift Fund and Music for the Eyes Fund and the West Family Foundation — Imagination Library on Whidbey will be fully funded through 2023. On average, $25 will cover the cost of books and mailing for one child for a year.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails high quality, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth to 5 years old, at no cost to the family. This early literacy program is proven to achieve equitable access to books, increase school readiness, foster a love of reading and books and improve family engagement.

Families can enroll online at whidbeyfoundation.org.