Sept. 25 is Dolly Parton Imagination Library Day in Medina County

MEDINA — The Medina County commissioners proclaimed Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Imagination Library Day to highlight the importance of early childhood literacy. On Tuesday, Commissioner Colleen Swedyk said the Imagination Library is an early childhood literacy program that gives free books to children through age 5. The organization was formed in 1995 in tribute to Parton's father, who could not read or write, and it has grown into an international program. "Access to books and early literacy experiences help prepare children for success in school and beyond, strengthen families and community and support the development of language, imagination, creativity and a lifelong love of learning," she said. Swedyk said the Sept. 25 designation celebrates reading, recognizes those who support early literacy, and motivates families to incorporate reading into children's lives. "It really is a wonderful program, and we really do have a lot of families in Medina County who benefit from it," she said. "We really do appreciate the foundations that supplement the cost of providing the books, so we thank you so much." Community Action Wayne/Medina is the local program partner for Medina County's Imagination Library. James Fox from Community Action said more than 6,500 children in Medina County are part of the program, and another 6,800 have graduated from it. "Inside the liner of every book, there are activities that caregivers can engage in with the child," he said. "There's been a countless amount of research that's been done on that interaction and how much we've lost that in the digital world and behind screens." Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel also recently signed a proclamation naming Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day. DeWine's office said more than 1 million kids across Ohio have participated in the Imagination Library since it was established in Ohio in 2019. To learn how to enroll a child or donate to the Imagination Library of Medina County, visit imaginationlibrarymedinacounty.org. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at 330-721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.