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IMCPL Participates in "Imagination Library's" First Anniversary Celebration

Library News & Announcements RSS Feed January 19, 2007

Mayor Bart Peterson spent part of his morning reading to young children during the Imagination Library's first year anniversary celebration at the Brightwood Branch

Mayor Bart Peterson spent part of his morning reading to young children during the Imagination Library's first year anniversary celebration at the Brightwood Branch

More than 100,000 books were given to Central Indiana children last year as part of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program of United Way of Central Indiana's (UWCI) Success By 6 initiative. The program, which provides children with a book a month until their fifth birthday, launched last January and celebrated its first anniversary at the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library's Brightwood Branch on January 17.

"This is such an important program because books help children prepare for school -- and for life," said Ellen Annala, UWCI president and CEO. "Books and characters help children learn all sorts of skills, stimulate imagination and increase vocabulary."

UWCI's Imagination Library was one of the largest in the nation last year, serving more than 17,000 children in Marion, Hancock and Hendricks counties. This year, the program hopes to enroll more children and families who are unlikely to have their own library of books. Parents can call 2-1-1 or visit their local library to register.

"Children need to be exposed to books at a young age in order to prepare for school," said Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson, who read aloud to children at the Brightwood celebration.

In order to increase the number of books given to Central Indiana children, UWCI also is hoping to increase funding for the program. Companies interested in making a contribution can contact Maple directly at 317.921.1235 or ted.maple@uwci.org.