Bristol, Warren Kids Can Get Free Books Through Age 5

BRISTOL, RI — Rogers Free Library is teaming up with DOlly Parton's Imagination Library to bring the magic of reading to Bristol County residents.

Bristol and Warren children under the age of 5 can receive one free book per month in the mail, regardless of household income. The program was made possible thanks to finding from the Friends of the Rogers Free Library Foundation.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, started in 1995, is an international organization aimed at making books and reading accessible to young children. Starting from birth, children can receive one age-appropriate book per month until their fifth birthday.

"Inspiring kids to love to read became my mission," Parton said. "In the beginning, my hope was simply to inspire the children in my home county, but here we are today with a worldwide program that gives a book a month to well over one million children."

Because of the regional Bristol-Warren school system, children from both towns can participate in the program.

Jacqueline Katz, chair of the RFL Board of Trustees and Peter Maloney, president of the Friends of Rogers Free Library, said that "enhancing childhood literacy is a core mission of our library."

"The Dolly Parton Imagination Library allows us to help parents bring the love of books and reading to their children at the earliest point in their lives," the joint statement continued. "All the research shows that the single most significant factor influencing a child’s early educational success is an introduction to books and being read to at home prior to beginning school. These kids are those most likely to be reading at or above their grade level during their school years. Children can learn more and dream more when books are available to them. Partnering with the Imagination Library makes this possible."

Families can sign up their child online, or visit the Children's Room at the library to learn more.

"The site explains the program and provides an easy sign-up link," said Nancy Kellner, the youth outreach librarian. "Parents can also drop by the Children’s Room at the Library and we will help them register. Plus, we’ll be reaching out to local day care centers, pediatrician offices and other community sites to ensure busy parents learn about the program easily."