Imagination Library helps early literacy

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To the Editor:

Since November 2015, our county has contributed over $500,000 toward the $2 million Hancock County Community Foundation’s Imagination Library endowment fund.

This money has been contributed by school children, philanthropic groups, businesses, churches, educators, clubs and individuals who are excited about this program, which provides 60 free books to all children residing in Hancock County born on or after Jan. 1, 2016.

One hundred forty-one newborns are enrolled and receiving books! Kara Harrison, mother of one of the newborns, shares, “I am so glad to have such high-quality books delivered to my baby each month. I like that the books have been selected by a committee which understands what is appropriate for my baby as she is getting older. My husband and I enjoy reading the books to our child as we bond with her.”

Enrollment forms for resident newborns are available at the Hancock County Public Library, at Hancock Regional Hospital, and may be downloaded from the library’s and community foundation’s websites: hcplibrary.org and givehcgrowhc.org.

As another school year begins, please remember how the Imagination Library program is helping prepare newborns for the day they enter kindergarten.

Dr. Jeff Bond, director of curriculum at Mt. Vernon School Corporation states, “I am glad to see print materials being placed in the hands of our county’s newborns. There is so much value in parents and caregivers reading and discussing these books with children. In our district, we strive to provide a blended learning experience where students will have access to both digital as well as more traditional learning resources. Even in our school environment, where all students are provided with an iPad or Chromebook, we expect our students to experience both digital and print materials.”

Won’t you consider offering your monetary support for the future students of our county?

Won’t you consider a monetary gift to Imagination Library in honor of a baby before they arrive, when they arrive or at one of their birthdays? Donations to the Imagination Library endowment may be made online at givehcgrowhc.org or by check to HCCF-IL Fund, 312 E. Main St., Greenfield, Indiana, 46140. Gift cards announcing your gift are available on the HCCF website on the Imagination Library tab.

We are so proud to live in a county which supports literacy. Thank you.

Susie Billings; Stephen Burt; Lorraine Ewing; Sandy Miller; Candy Short; John Peter Senger; Ann Vail; Matt Wickham

Imagination Library Steering Committee