By Staff Report
The Washington County Public Library (WCPL) was recently awarded the Preschool Literacy Matters: Mission Possible grant through the Florida American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
On April 26, WCPL announced it has been awarded the funding from the Division of Library and Information Services for special programming which includes two additional programs: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Tiny Tots. The funding also allowed the purchase of two AWE bilingual early literacy computers, 50 early literacy books, 25 launchpads, and 45 Wonderbooks.
The grant supports WCPL’s partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, an initiative which offers one free book each month for every child, birth to five years old. The parent must register the child with library staff.
“We’re excited that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has agreed to be our partner in this effort,” said Zedra Hawkins, Youth Services Manager. “Our goal for the year is to provide free books to five hundred children in our county to start. If anyone is interested in sponsoring a child for a year, with a monetary gift of only $25.20, a book can find its way into a child’s hands. The mission is possible.”
For those who would like to register their child for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, contact Zedra Hawkins or Joy Whittaker at WCPL’s Chipley branch at 850-638-1314. For information about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library visit imaginationlibrary.com
COLLIN BREAUX