Early Learning Coalition of St. Johns and Putnam counties had a good thing going when it tapped into the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program in 2008. Through June, it helped ensure 4,000 pre-school children could get free books, one a month for five years.

But like almost every good thing these days, especially those driven by publicly funded grants, the money isn’t there. The coalition has the sad task now of informing recipients of the Dolly Parton program that there won’t be any more books. It was a wonderful opportunity for many families to build a library of children’s books and to instill a love of reading in their children. And for families just trying to make ends meet, it was a boon for their children to have books to call their own.

The big glitch is state law requires early learning coalitions to stay true to their mission: to serve children of families that receive child care subsidies. And while these children were included in access to the Dolly Parton library, the program does not restrict books only to low-income families. Any child is eligible to receive the books.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library served 1,300 communities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom in 2010. The program began in 1996 when Parton wanted to help children in her home county of Sevier County, Tenn., have greater access to books. The program work because community groups set up the program, enlist the children, and pay for the books. The books are then mailed by the Parton Library program to registered children up to five years of age. For newborns enrolled the potential is 60 books over their first five years. What a treasure trove that can be for any family. And the program permits more than one child in a family to participate.

In St. Johns and Putnam counties, the coalition was spending $120,000 a year for the book program or, $30 per child for 12 books annually. The money for the program came from early coalition funds including donations from residents, civic and community organizations and grants.

We hate to see the program end. We share the optimism of Joan Whitson, literacy coordinator with the Early Learning Coalition, who oversaw the program here. She has hope that local organizations will take over the program so it can continue. We know that many are having a struggle in these tough economic times. But we also believe there are organizations in our community looking for the kind of opportunity the program provides.

Whitson said an organization doesn’t have to agree to operate countywide. It can decide to fund just one ZIP code. Several organizations might want to go in together to support several ZIP codes. But they have to agree to serve all children regardless of income level in that region. The operation will need a local champion, a coordinator who ensures enrollments are maintained and pays the bills. Whitson is willing to provide the expertise to another group.

We all want our children to not only learn to read but to appreciate that reading is the foundation for success in life. Having books in the home at an early age ensures that parents can help their child be better prepared for school.

Interested in learning more?

Contact Joan Whitson at the Early Learning Coalition office at 819-3544, or email atjwhitson@elcpsj.org. For information on all programs of Early Learning Coalition, go towww.elcpsj.org.