(Radio Iowa) – (Note: “The Cass County Library Association launched an affiliation in 2021 to serve children under 5 who live in Cass County. While the actual number of books sent fluctuate from month to month, we will send 350 books in May.” – Atlantic Library Director Michelle Andersen.) There are currently 61 active affiliates in Iowa. You can see a map at https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/find-my-program/

A library in southwest Iowa is among the first in the state to partner with a reading program that’s being funded by a famous country music performer that will provide free books to area kids. Andrew Hoppmann, director of Clarinda’s Lied Public Library, explains how the new initiative will work.

(As said) “The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a program where everyone in the designated ZIP codes that we serve — which there’s five of them and Clarinda’s the main one — those from zero up to five years of age will receive a book a month sent directly to them,” said Hoppmann.

The initiative was started in 1995 by the iconic singer-songwriter from Tennessee with the aim to foster early childhood literacy. Hoppmann says the goal is to plant the seeds of reading in children before they even enter school.

(As said) “They will build their own library, and they will hopefully become readers and library users,” said Hoppmann. “Because one book really isn’t enough per month for many kids, at least I know with my own. We’re excited to launch that program. We launched it about a week ago, and we already have close to 100 kids signed up.”

Parents in the 51632, 51656, 51631, 51651, and 51637 ZIP codes can enroll their kids for the program for free through the library’s website: clarindapubliclibrary.org