Last year, the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library initiative was launched to provide free books to local children four years old and younger, through a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
The program is aimed at increasing literacy and early learning opportunities for children throughout Ohio, and will be provided free of charge to local families.
The Imagination Library offers free, high-quality, age-appropriate books and there are no income restrictions for participants. Children could receive classics, such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar, as well as new fun books, such as Hair Love.
“The first three years of a child’s life are the most important in brain development. Reading can help in that development, which is why Mike and I are passionate about giving every young Ohio child access to free books with the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library Program,” said Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine.
“We know 90 percent of a child’s brain development occurs in the first five years of life, and that’s why programs such as the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library are so critical to positive outcomes for children,” said CEO and President Deborah Feldman, Dayton Children’s Hospital. “By signing up for this program, parents and caregivers can show children the value of books and set an incredible foundation for learning.”