The Ready For Kindergarten (R4K) Program and The Genesis Group of the Mohawk Valley have announced that the “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Book Program” will be offered in the Central Valley, Dolgeville, Herkimer and Little Falls school districts.

Children ages newborn up until their fifth birthdays in the four districts can be registered to receive the Imagination Library high-quality, age-appropriate books — one book per month — at no cost to families. More than 7,000 books have been delivered to children in the Camden Central School District and Utica City School District since we launched the program in those two districts last year.

Robin Robinson, president of Perch Place Consulting and the R4K Program, said, “Children who are read to early in life are better prepared for learning and school. The gift of literacy inspires children to love language and books while supporting parents’ positive interactions with their children. Partnering with school districts and the community fosters our children’s success.”

Ray Durso, President and CEO of The Genesis Group of the Mohawk Valley said, “We are honored to expand into four additional school districts and put more books into the hands of underserved children. By supporting Imagination Library in Oneida and Herkimer counties, we can work together to help create a culture of reading for all children across the state.”

Lauren Wirt, Regional Director of the Dollywood Foundation, said, “On behalf of the Dollywood Foundation, I am thrilled about our partnership with The Genesis Group and Perch Place, LLC to get books into the hands, homes and hearts of children in Herkimer and Oneida counties. There is nothing more basic, more essential, and more foundational to a child’s success in life than the ability to read. Dolly Parton, along with program partners are able to provide books to the community’s youngest and, in turn, create a rich, long-lasting family routine around books.”

For more information, cpntact robinr@perchplace.org or call (315) 880-0551.