Bringing Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to the Capital RegionIn 2019, CASTL board members and CAIU staff came together to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to the Capital Region.

Childhood exposure to books has been extensively studied and consistently linked to enhanced literacy levels and overall cognitive development in children. Numerous research studies have shown that early and consistent exposure to books during childhood has a significant positive impact on language development, reading skills, academic performance, and long-term educational attainment.  Having quality books in the home has been shown to have a tremendous positive impact on this connection of exposing children to books and to the many benefits of doing so. 

Not surprisingly, poverty negatively impacts access to books, with research demonstrating that 61% of America’s low-income children are growing up in homes without books, and many live in “book deserts” where there are no libraries in their schools or communities as well.  In our region, the percentage of families living in poverty in the capital region is alarming, ranging from 7.6% in Cumberland County, to 8.5% in Perry County, and 11.6% in Dauphin County.

Recognizing that early access to books in the home is the most critical factor in a child’s success, our partnership with the Imagination Library will assist families in creating book-rich environments.

There is no limit to how far we can take this program!

CASTL is still seeking funding sources to bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to Cumberland County. If you'd like to make a tax-deductible contribution to help with funding, please make checks payable to 'Center for Advanced School Teaching and Learning (CASTL)' and mail it to: CASTL, 55 Miller St., Enola, PA 17025.

For all other Imagination Library donations, please click the button below.

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