Since 1996, the Porter County Community Foundation (PCCF) has worked to better the lives of all Porter County residents. Today, that mission comes alive in the form of free books to all Porter County children ages birth to 5 years old.
In partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, PCCF along with First Things First Porter County, the Porter County Public Library System and the Westchester Public Library System brought Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Porter County.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library works with local groups to provide one in seven American children with free monthly books sent directly to their homes.
Created out of Parton’s vision for an in-home library regardless of socioeconomic status, PCCF has helped to make this a reality throughout Porter County by providing the necessary funding.
“Jesse Butz, Director of the Porter County Public Library System, presented the partnership idea to community foundation leaders noting that the State of Indiana would fund a portion of the costs as part of their focus to grow early literacy education across the State of Indiana,” said Bill Higbie, president and CEO of the Porter County Community Foundation.
In connection with the library, PCCF took the necessary steps to bring the Imagination Library to Porter County.
As a result of this partnership, any Porter County child can receive a free, age-appropriate book each month from birth until their fifth birthday.
The first book that every child receives, regardless of age, is ‘The Little Engine That Could.'
After that, each month parents and children can expect to receive high-quality books that are customized by age.
“We are thrilled to partner with local organizations to bring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to Porter County and provide opportunities for our youngest citizens to have access to books,” said Higbie.
Signing up for the program is easy. Any Porter County resident can visit the online registration page and expect to receive their first book in one to three months.
All children under the age of five are eligible for their own subscription. Parents are encouraged to register all their eligible children.
Working to maintain this program indefinitely, PCCF is also accepting donations of any size.
“If you are interested in making a donation to support this endeavor, please visit our website,” said Higbie.
Access and opportunity are what PCCF is all about.
“PCCF strives to strengthen our community through lasting generosity and leadership,” said Higbie. “The Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Porter County is a perfect example of how great things happen when our community comes together to do good.”
To learn more about PCCF’s Imagination Library program or to donate and support the program, please visit PCCF’s dedicated website.
