Imagination Library and Campaign Central

Happy 5th Birthday Imagination Library!!

244 pre-school children in this area received their very first Dolly Parton Imagination Library book in October 2005 because United Way of Southwest Minnesota began local sponsorship of this literacy building program. Since then 5,214 children have received 127,402 quality books in the mail each month. This is an investment in our future of $318,505* that local United Way of Southwest Minnesota donors have underwritten over these past five years.

THE GREAT CAKE EVENT

was held on
Saturday, October 16

The Great Cake Event included: Activities for children; a chance to vote for your favorite Imagination Library book; a cake decorating contest - with categories for group/business; individuals; and youth (split into under age 12 and ages 12-18); Educational sessions on cake decorating; Silent auction of cakes; Trophies/Prizes for winning cake entries; a visit by The Gruffalo.

CLICK HERE to see photos from the event.

Why Imagination Library?

Why does it matter? It all comes down to ABCs.

A child deserves to be prepared: Educators emphasize that reading with your preschool child is one of the most important activities to prepare them for kindergarten.
Books are essential: Studies by the National Assessment of Educational Progress organization have consistently found that the more reading material available in the home, the better students' reading levels are likely to be.
Cost of children not being prepared: According to the Wilder Research, in Minnesota, the cost of children entering kindergarten unprepared is approximately $113 million anually to school systems due to increased:
- Student aid
- Special education and grade repetition
- Teacher related costs
- Impact on school safety due to delinquent behavior

DID YOU KNOW?

Five years ago, in October, 2005, 244 pre-school children in this area received their very first Dolly Parton Imagination Library book through the United Way of Southwest Minnesota sponsorship.
In the past five years 5,214 local children have received 127,402 quality books in the mail.
Donors to United Way of Southwest Minnesota have invested $318,505 into the future of young children in this area through sponsorship of the Imagination Library program these past five years.
1,938 children in this area have graduated from the Imagination Library book program and received their final book, "Look Out Kindergarten Here I Come."
Educators emphasize that reading with young children is one of the most important activities to prepare them for kindergarten.
*the average cost per book is $2.50.