The Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library initiative
December 13, 2019
The Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library initiative, spearheaded by First Lady Fran DeWine, is gaining momentum with a goal to reach children in all 88 counties
through The Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) program. Today, statewide representatives from DPIL affiliate programs attended a workshop at COSI to share best practices and program updates.
There are currently 54 active DPIL programs statewide. Carol Reed, United Way of Union County (UWUC) manages the program for all of Union County and Plain City.
Attendees at today’s workshop included a mix of executive directors of United Ways, community foundations and libraries to program managers for the Imagination Library program.
United Way of Union County’s DPIL program was established in 2008.
Currently there are approximately 1200 children from birth to five years old enrolled in Union County and Plain City. Each month children enrolled receive age appropriate books for free as
part of funding through UWUC’s annual campaign. The goal of the program is to introduce early reading, encourage quality one-on-one time, and increase Kindergarten readiness through
literacy. Our local Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program delivered a total of 15,194 books in 2018; 127,696 since it was first started by United Way of Union County.
The state has budgeted $5 million dollars over the next two years to assist in funding local Dolly Parton Imagination Library programs so more children can receive books.
This afternoon, Governor Mike DeWine said the goal is to someday surpass Tennessee’s statewide DPIL program at a holiday open house at the Governor’s mansion following the COSI workshop.
Fran DeWine said she is very passionate about this project and she and her team are excited to see the program grow.
Want to donate to our local DPIL or any of our 25 partner agencies or 30+ programs? Text UWUC TO 91-999 and help us meet our goal to make 100% impact in our community!
United Way of Union County, Inc., 648 Clymer Road, Suite 313, Marysville, Ohio 43040-1661
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