More than 740 (and counting!) Sauk County Kids Enroll in Imagination Library’s Free Books as New Lit

More than 740 (and counting!) Sauk County Kids Enroll in Imagination Library’s Free Books as New Literacy Program Expands Its Reach

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MORE INFORMATION:   Rowan Childs, Rowan@madisonreadingproject.com, 

(608) 347-7970

Madison, WI - In less than three weeks since Madison Reading Project expanded its literacy service area to include Sauk County, parents have eagerly enrolled their young children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to receive a free book mailed every month to their homes. 

“We’re thrilled that nearly 750 children are already enrolled and on their way to building their personal home libraries with books they love,” says Sarah Burke, Madison Reading Project’s early literacy coordinator. “With support from Roots & Wings Foundation, we’re able to offer the Imagination Library Program to build a strong foundation for young children's access to literacy.” 

Children who have signed up by March 31 will receive their welcome book, “The Little Engine that Could,” in May, and a new book matching their age level every month until their 5th birthday. Children who sign up by April 30th will receive their first book in June, and so forth. 

“By getting books into the hands of kids, birth to age 5, their parents and caregivers, we’re helping to nurture a lifelong enthusiasm for learning,” says Rowan Childs, co-executive director and founder. “Families are able to grow their own home core memories together around reading, and start school with more literacy skills.” 

“Having over a fourth of the possible young population already signed up in just 20 days speaks to the excitement of the expansion of our programs to Sauk County, the desire, and the need for more literacy programs and resources,” adds Deirdre Steinmetz, co-executive director. 

Parents and caregivers can easily enroll their child(ren), birth to age 5, at www.MadisonReadingProject.com/imaginationlibrary 

Since 2021, Madison Reading Project has administered the Imagination Library in Dane County, serving more than 13,500 children annually. About 3,500 children in Sauk County could be enrolled. When families sign up their newborn, they will have received 60 free books by the time the child turns five. “They are enhancing literacy skills, but also provide important opportunities for parent-child bonding,” Burke adds.

Questions about the Dolly Parton Imagination Program?

 Email: imaginationlibrary@madisonreadingproject.com

Facts to know:

• Children can be enrolled on the day they are born for Sauk or Dane County

• Children can be enrolled at one location- if that household is the address of a grandparent, friend, or relative, their name needs to be used as the parent to ensure delivery.

• Every child under 5 in a household can be enrolled. Duplicate titles may occur

• Madison Reading Project has funding from Roots & Wings Foundation to continue this program for five years.

• Dolly Parton Imagination Library works with local nonprofits to provide books to children in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland. Over 300 million books have been gifted since the program’s inception in 1995.

Since incorporating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2014, Madison Reading Project has worked with children, families, and educators and engaged annually with more than 250 South Central Wisconsin partners, connecting the community with free, new books and literacy resources to ignite a love for reading and affirm and reflect the diversity of young readers. 

The organization works with families, caregivers, and educators who support children and youth and prioritize partners who work with historically marginalized communities, and/or families experiencing low-income.