(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Families in Illinois can now sign their kids up for free books, thanks to the help of a country music star.
Dolly Parton's "Imagination Library" is officially launching in Illinois. Each child enrolled in the program receives one book per month up to the age of 5, regardless of the family’s income.
Dollywood Foundation Executive Director Nora Briggs says it will help remove barriers to early literacy.
"We cannot wait until kindergarten for children to have access or exposure to books. It must happen early must start in the home environment. And reading at home requires books,” Briggs said.
Funding for the Imagination Library comes from the state of Illinois, the Dollywood Foundation and other sources.
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