Families enrolled in the Ohio Governors Imagination Library program provides a free book in the mail every month to children from birth until they turn 5.
Through a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and now with the Toledo Lucas County Public Library as an affiliate of the program, First Lady of Ohio Fran DeWine says with this program they’re looking to reach more children, show them the joy of reading and set them up for success.
“They measured the kids for three years after getting the books. These children went up 15 points on kindergarten readiness, so they were right even with everybody else. So imagine if our kids are even when they start kindergarten how much more successful they’re going to be," DeWine said.
The program has been in Toledo for several years, through the United Way. Currently, in Lucas County, only 36% of eligible children are enrolled in the program. By partnering with the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, the program is looking to reach 50% enrollment by the end of the year.
“We should be able to grow that program and bring as many as those 20,000 extra kids into the program as possible. We know that developing a love of reading early on, uh, sets children up for success and fulfilling lives," said Jason Kucsma, executive director of the Toledo public library.
The books families receive in the mail are diverse. Children read and learn about animals, nature, and feelings. Bi-lingual books are even sent two times a year. By starting early, the program wants to create life-long readers and show children in the community the joy behind books.
“We’re trying to just make them comfortable with the language and want to read, you know, I say to the libraries, you know, ‘We’re making life-long readers for you.’ You know, because I think when children start reading, they want to read. And when books are read to them, they want to hear the books and then they want to read themselves," DeWine said.
To sign up, or find more information, head to https://ohioimaginationlibrary.org/.