Small Books, Big Impact for Young Readers
By Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer
My love of reading started at a very young age. I was fortunate to grow up with a wonderful selection of books, and I remember being so inspired that I created my very own “library system” at home. That early joy and imagination shaped who I am today—it’s a reminder that the power a book can have on a child’s life goes far beyond the pages. It builds connection, fuels imagination, and lays the foundation for lifelong learning. That is exactly what the Imagination Library is accomplishing in our community.
Founded by Dolly Parton in 1995, the Imagination Library began as a way to inspire a love of reading among children in her hometown. Today, it has grown into an international program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five—helping families build their own home libraries. Families are not just receiving books—they are engaging with them.
Through recent feedback and surveys, parents are sharing powerful stories about how the program is shaping their children’s development. The results point to significant growth in literacy skills, expanded vocabulary, and stronger cognitive development. Gaylin Morris Executive Director of the Gilstad Foundation noted “Data from Charlotte County Public Schools shows that children who have participated in and graduated from the Charlotte County Imagination Library score, on average, 10 points higher on the state FAST assessment than children who were not enrolled.”
One parent reflected on a particularly moving experience:
“My child is autistic and nonverbal. Reading these wonderful books to him helps him learn our language and how to communicate through writing, reading, and illustrations. Imagination Library has been an incredibly helpful tool in helping my children read, write, imagine, play, draw, and express themselves. It’s a blessing to see the spark in my baby’s eyes when they are reading and imagining through the books.”
For many families, the Imagination Library is also playing a key role in language development. In households where multiple languages are spoken, books provide a shared learning experience. One parent noted that the program offers “enrichment and support for language learning… providing quality one-on-one time and helping both adults and children practice creative thinking, active listening, patience, problem solving, and critical thinking.”
Another family highlighted:
“My child has improved her vocabulary and recognizes the alphabet. Reading to her daily is fostering a love of books and is a wonderful way for me to spend time with her.”
Here in Charlotte County, the program continues to grow because of strong community support. The Gilstad Literacy Foundation helps bring it to local families, expanding access and giving more children the opportunity to build a love of reading at home.
When you step back and look at the full picture, the program is doing more than promoting reading. It is strengthening families, supporting parents, and preparing children for success in school and beyond.
Every child deserves the chance to grow up with books in their hands and stories in their home. If you have a child under five, or know a family who does, consider enrolling in Charlotte County’s Imagination Library or sharing the opportunity. A simple book each month can help spark a lifelong love of reading. To learn more, visit unitedwayccfl.org/BuildingReaders
For more information about United Way Charlotte County’s mission—mobilizing the power of our community so all can thrive—please contact Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer, at director@unitedwayccfl.org.