(Batesville, IN) – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will launch in Ripley County this month thanks to a partnership between the Southeastern Indiana YMCA, Ripley County Community Foundation (RCCF), Batesville Memorial Public Library, Tyson Library, and Osgood & Milan Public Library, and is supported by the Indiana State Library.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library gifts free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five on a monthly basis, regardless of family income.
“Literacy builds self-esteem and overall quality of life for all,” says Tara Britton, Chief Executive Officer, Southeastern Indiana YMCA. “That is why it is a primary mission for the youth we serve in our YMCA Learning Center, and we are thrilled to be able to broaden our impact for all young Hoosiers in Ripley County.”
On May 4, 2023, Gov. Holcomb signed legislation into law that allotted $6 million over the biennium, $2 million in the first year, and $4 million in the second year, as part of a community share to expand the program to every zip code in the state.
The Indiana State Library will coordinate the program and provide the state’s match to the local program partners.
The organizations listed above are the Ripley County Imagination Library partners responsible for paying 50% of the local program cost.
“The partnership among the Ripley County organizations making this program possible is a true testament to just how marvelous our community is to live in,” says Amy Streator, RCCF Executive Director.
This program is supported entirely through community financial support.
RCCF is actively seeking donations so that this program can continue in Ripley County for the long term.
To provide support visit https://rccfonline.org/donate/ or contact RCCF at (812) 933-1098 or mail a donation to 13 E. George Street, Suite B, in Batesville.
Anyone can donate.
“We are so thrilled to be able to provide children with a free book once a month,” says Tyson Library Director, Margaret Marcy. “Reading is so important and it’s an amazing opportunity to help broaden the minds of our youngest members in the County. Being a library director, I always love seeing families come to the library and children being excited to check out a book (or several!).”
To learn more, or to register your child for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, visit https://imaginationlibrary.com/.
(Southeastern Indiana YMCA press release)
