Getting books in the hands of young children is the aim of a new program in Saskatoon.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails high quality, age appropriate books to registered children each month until their fifth birthday. Local Champion Hannah Rajput says the goal is to help early literacy and create more equitable access to books. Rajput says research into the efficacy of the program has shown an impact on reading scores as late as grade 3. She adds it’s a great program to get an early start on building literacy skills.

So far Rajput says 111 kids have been registered, but enrollment is currently closed as future plans for the program are being developed. Initially READ Saskatoon helped to connect the program with kids in need, in the community, and even donated $5000 for the program to launch.

Rajput adds the goal one day will be to grow the program across Saskatoon and then all across Saskatchewan.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library started in Tennessee in 1995 and has expanded to numerous countries including Canada and into Saskatoon this past March. Rajput says the Dolly Parton Foundation pays all overhead costs, while the local branch signs kids up and is responsible for fundraising.

For more information visit the Imagination Library’s Facebook page.

To donate go here.