Children under the age of five can continue to receive a free book each month in the mail through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
The Quesnel and District Community Arts Council (QDCAC) recently presented the Literacy Quesnel Society with $5,000 for the gifting program, which was launched in Quesnel last year.
The funds are matched by the Literacy Quesnel Society (LQS), with the Cariboo Regional District-Quesnel Branch Library serving as a partner.
“It just skyrocketed with popularity,” said LQS executive Rebecca Beuschel. “When we started, we had set the initial limit of 100 kids, and we’d reevaluate when we get to that point, and then we had 90 kids in the first week.”
Librarian Heather Lee confirmed there are 219 registrants and is impressed with the quality of books children receive, which she said are the very kind she would choose for the library.
Lee added she is pleased the library has a small role in helping facilitate the program in getting kids reading.
“Librarianship is about access and making sure kids can get their hands on books, and this is a great way to help do that.”
Cathy Heinzelman with the QDCAC believes it is fantastic that more than 200 kids in Quesnel are receiving a free book each month until the age of five.
“It will be pretty amazing to have kids coming into kindergarten who are happy to be reading and looking for a book,” Heinzelman said. “I think that’s truly what it might do.”
Parents must have a valid mailing address to register their child. Registration forms are available through the Quesnel Library or online at www.quesnelarts.com.
Read More: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to nurture young Quesnel minds
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: rebecca.dyok@quesnelobserver.com
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