8/13/2008
Imagination Library in Mingo County, West Virginia is opening an enrollment site in Gilbert, 10:00am-3:00pm, Friday, August 15.
One of the world’s most exciting library formats, the project is a collaboration between international recording artist Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Foundation and the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts.
The event, conducted in cooperation with the Mingo County Public Libraries, will occur at the Larry Joe Harless Community Center, located on U.S.52 in Gilbert. “People are excited about Imagination Library and we have had a tremendous response from Mingo County,” said Education and the Arts Cabinet Secretary Kay Goodwin. “To help lower travel costs for families, we are taking Imagination Library to several locations in our southern mountains. We are enormously pleased that the Larry Joe Harless Community Center is so warmly welcoming us.”
Parents or grandparents who agree to read aloud to their children or grandchildren may register the young people for free books at the event or may visit any Mingo County Library. Books are mailed to the children’s homes each month.
“Imagination Library is opening new doors to reading for young people,” said Robin Taylor, state director. “The entire region has greeted this program with open arms. We anticipate having a great turnout, especially at the Harless Center”
Education and the Arts will provide entertainment for children and their families, including family films at the Harless multiplex, live magic shows, gymnasium activities and a free lunch. Joining in the celebration will be community organizations, providing information on Mingo County activities and support for families. “This opening fair gives us opportunities to promote literacy,” said Taylor. “It is a ready-made venue to advance family participation, a key component to the Imagination Library.”
Imagination Library provides children, age birth to five years, with free hard-back, age appropriate books, giving parents the opportunity to encourage the love of reading. The literature selected for the program is designed to provide children with a solid foundation toward a successful education.
The Department of Education and the Arts provides statewide leadership and innovation, enhancing arts and minds throughout West Virginia. Composed of five agencies and a number of special programs originating from the Cabinet Secretary’s Office, the Department seeks to reinforce the rich heritage of culture, education and artistic creation in West Virginia. Education and the Arts celebrates the perseverance and resilience of the “Mountain Character” through public broadcasting, libraries, rehabilitation, professional development, community volunteerism and culture and history.
For more information concerning Imagination Library, contact Robin Taylor at 304-558-2440 or via email at rtaylor@wvosea.org.
Contact Information
Robin Taylor
304-558-2440
etaylor@wvosea.org