LAPLACE–St. John United Way sponsors the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in St. John Parish to support early childhood education.

The program provides a free book to any child in the parish — from birth to 5 years old — every month until the child turns 5.

Music star Dolly Parton launched the effort in 1995 to benefit the children of her home county in Tennessee. It has expanded since then, with various service groups and individuals sponsoring the effort in local towns, counties, parishes and countries.

By mailing high quality, age-appropriate books directly to participating homes, children grow excited about books and begin to feel the magic they create.

The books become a shared experience between children and parents and are delivered regardless of the family’s income.

The only prerequisite to sign up in St. John Parish is a parent must have a child living in the parish.

It’s that simple, and sign up can be achieved by visiting stjohnunitedway.org/activities/imagination-library.

“This program is proven effective in increasing the frequency that parents read to children and the child’s enthusiasm for reading,” said Artis Williams, St. John United Way -Executive Director.

Developing a love for reading at an early age is one of the single best ways children can set themselves up for success in school and beyond.

The Imagination Library is a no-cost, pain-free ticket to that essential key that is available to anyone living in St. John Parish.

Please take advantage of this program and promote it to those you know who are eligible for it.

For more information, call 985-651-9118.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is nearing 100,000 books shipped to parish kids since the start of the program in 2012.