Lenawee Imagination Library

How are children selected for the program?

Any child within the age range can be enrolled.  The program targets low-income families.  In Lenawee County, 5200 children ages 0-5 are eligible; 1327 are currently enrolled in the program.

What is the cost of the program?

The cost is $30 per child per year.  The national sponsor does not allow local communities to charge families for the books to ensure that low-income families receive the books.  However, families with the means to cover the cost of the books are asked to make contributions.

How can the cost of the books be so low?

Even though the books typically retail for significantly more, only $30 per child per year covers the cost of 12 new books delivered directly to each child’s home.  The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, funded by The Dollywood Foundation, discounts the book costs and mails the books to each child.

Why was the Lenawee Imagination Library started?

Research documents that 70% of school dropouts have poor literacy skills.  Because 90% of a child’s brain development occurs between ages 0-5, it is crucial that all parents are aware of the importance of reading to their children, and that they do so.  We believe that the Lenawee Imagination Library can increase school success by helping to prepare children to learn in kindergarten and beyond.

What results have we experienced?

Other communities that have initiated the Imagination Library have documented an average of 70% of the families reading more to their children.  Additionally, kindergarten teachers report that children who have received the Imagination Library books enter school better prepared to learn.

• Adrian District Library
• Clinton Township Library
• Hudson District Library
• Schultz-Holms Memorial Library (Blissfield)
• Stair District Library (Morenci)
• Tecumseh District Library

• Lenawee District Libraries
  • Addison
  • Britton
  • Clayton
  • Deerfield
  • Onsted