photo 1 rsThe Imagination Library of Grant County (ILGC) seeks to expand the early literacy program throughout New Mexico. This nonprofit program helps to create a culture of literacy and learning in New Mexico by preparing children, ages 0-5, for school success through access to books and time spent reading with an engaged parent. Grants from the Frederick H. Leonhardt Foundation and Brindle Foundation have provided funds for program and operating expenses associated with statewide expansion, including a portion of book costs, educational materials, training and travel.

photo 2 rsphoto 3 rsphoto 4 rsFounded in 2010, ILGC is an affiliate of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Their mission is to "Promote literacy for all Grant County preschool children by delivering books to their homes monthly and support the program's expansion throughout the state of New Mexico." The Imagination Library program was selected by the New Mexico Children Youth and Families Department as the early childhood literacy program to receive a 4 year matching-funds grant at $100,000 per year through Fiscal Year 2019. The funds are administered through the Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments located in Silver City and are available to reimburse any state affiliate for 50% of book costs, thus lowering the cost of each book delivered to approximately $1.05. This reimbursement is to sunset in Fiscal Year 2020. The Imagination Library encourages those who are passionate about preschool literacy to contact their legislators and encourage them to support the expansion and extension of this subsidy.

Within the last two years, ILGC helped grow the program to include full coverage in 14 New Mexico counties plus partial coverage in 8 more. Recent efforts have led to new affiliates in Quemado School District and Eddy, Sierra, Socorro, Los Alamos, Colfax and Bernalillo counties. In less than two months, Los Alamos County registered 340 children for the free program. Sierra County, in 4 months has registered 167 children, and Eddy County now sends books to 457 preschool children. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 129,023 children under age 5 lived in New Mexico as of July 1, 2016. Over 8,700, or roughly 7% of NM preschool children, are now receiving Imagination Library books in the mail each month. ILGC hopes to incrementally add affiliates until they meet their goal of registering 60% of New Mexico preschool children within 5 years.

ILGC Board President, Barbara Nelson, says, "This program is needed, because New Mexico ranks last in education according to the latest Annie E. Casey Foundation Kid's Count Report." Reading to children in their earliest years has been proven as a cost effective strategy for cognitive development and reading proficiency, and early education helps prevent school failure and drop out, which often precipitate costly problems such as addiction and legal problems. Owning books and reading aloud also leads to better relationships, health awareness, expanded vocabulary, and school readiness.

Grant County children who received Imagination Library books prior to Kindergarten outperformed those who did not on reading proficiency tests. Dr. Ann Harvey, retired WNMU Education Professor performed ILGC's 4-year longitudinal study. She stated, "The students who were exposed to books and had their parents read to them were better prepared for reading activities in Kindergarten, first, second and third grade. The pattern of higher scores for the Imagination Library students continued throughout the testing cycles. It would seem that students who have been read to have a richer vocabulary and are able to discuss stories using higher-level thinking skills, while the students who have not had the benefit of Imagination Library books before their school years also received the benefit of these richer discussions. 'A rising tide raises all boats' would be an appropriate analogy.'"

Reading Proficiency results on New Mexico's Public Education Department website show that Grant County students were at or above the state average despite the county's low socio-economic standing. As more of the state's children own books from birth, ILGC expects to see higher graduation rates and improved outcomes.

For more information on how you can bring this program to your community, contact The Imagination Library of New Mexico at 575.534.9156, office@imaginationlibrarygc.org or visit www.imaginationlibrarygc.org.

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