The Dolly Parton Imagination Library was launched locally in 2010 by United Way of St. Charles, and since then nearly 239,584 books have been mailed to local children completely free of charge.
The library will continue on doing just that in great part due to St. Charles Parish’s Loyd J. Bourgeois, who has stepped forward to fully fund the program.
Bourgeois, a personal injury attorney, said that he saw the strength of the program firsthand through his family’s experience – his children were among the many receiving those books in the mail.
“As a dad, I’ve seen firsthand how much my own children benefited from receiving Imagination Library books,” Bourgeois said. “Those books sparked their curiosity and gave us countless moments of reading together as a family. It means a lot to me to know that this program will continue for every child in St. Charles Parish, giving them the same opportunities to learn, dream, and grow.”
More than 1,200 children are currently enrolled in the program, which is aimed at making a lasting impact on early literacy and school readiness. The Imagination Library is available for every child from birth to age 5.
Each child receives one free, age-appropriate book in the mail every month until their fifth birthday. Children can build a personal library of up to 60 books by the time they graduate from the program.
Those backing the Imagination Library see it as an investment in building a stronger future for St. Charles Parish children, with the idea in mind that early access to books boosts kindergarten readiness and can foster a lifelong love of reading.
“We can’t thank the Loyd J Bourgeois Injury and Accident Lawyer Firm enough for their support of the Imagination Library program,” said Kacy Kernan, United Way of St. Charles’ Director of Community Impact. “Because of their generosity, children in our community will continue to receive the gift of books each month, opening the doors to imagination, learning, and a lifelong love of reading. Their commitment helps us nurture young minds and build a brighter future for every child in St. Charles Parish.”
The program’s roots date back to 1995, when iconic singer and entertainer Dolly Parton created the original Imagination Library in Sevier County, Tennessee, where she hoped the program would nurture a love of reading among her county’s preschool children and their families.
Perhaps even Parton herself didn’t imagine where things would go from there. Her creation led to a program that now mails millions of books each month to children in the United States and internationally as well.
Those interested in signing up for the program may visit https://www.ljblegal.com/about/community/dolly-partons-imagination-library/.
