Preschool children in Switzerland County are about to gain an educational advantage, thanks to the hard work of several local organizations and the generosity of country music singer Dolly Parton.
The singer created “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library” in her home state of Tennessee, the program now reaches out across the country to provide all preschool children with a set of books – one coming each month from birth to age five.
When the child reaches the age of five, he or she will have 60 books that form a “library”. Having parents read those books to their children each month creates a tremendous head start for that child being successful in school.
Bringing the “Imagination Library” to Switzerland County children became a reality through the financial support of the Community Foundation of Switzerland County; the Switzerland County School Corporation; the Switzerland County School Endowment Corporation; the Vevay-Switzerland County Foundation; and the United Fund of Switzerland County.
Parents or other interested adults who know of children under age five who would like to benefit from these books may pick up information and a registration brochure at the following locations: the Vevay Post Office; Patriot Town Hall; the Switzerland County Public Library; the YMCA; the offices of Dr. Frede, Dr. Willage, and Dr. Findley; the Nurse Managed Clinic; the health department; any county fire department; Vevay Town Hall; any county school; the Department of Family and Children; and at The Chord Coffeehouse.
A registration form is also included in today’s issue of the Vevay Newspapers.
The “Imagination Library” is not a charity, so there are no income guidelines. All children, regardless of income level of their parents, are eligible to receive these books. They are a gift from the community to the children.
Expectant mothers may sign up their children prior to birth.
For more information on the program, contact the Community Foundation of Switzerland County at 427-9160.