Since its inception in 2013, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) has reached more than 500 children across the Glenelg Shire. An early intervention initiative, the program is designed to build literacy and language skills of disadvantaged and vulnerable young children before they start school, and before the lack of basic skills can have serious impacts on their future learning and life-changes. And it’s working. We know that book ownership and encouraging parents to read to their children cannot be overstated. Specifically, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is proving effective in three ways: 1. PARENTS READING TO THEIR CHILDREN Parents taking part in DPIL increase the amount of time they spend reading to their children. Children receiving books from their mailboxes are saying “Read it to me”. 2. CHILDREN’S ENGAGEMENT WITH BOOKS The program is building children’s love of books, with our Community Partners reporting an increase in shared reading and children spending more time reading on their own. 3. BUILDING LANGUAGE AND LITERACY SKILLS DPIL reading activities included with every book mailed are having a positive impact on early literacy and learning skills. Parents are using the tips to discuss the book and its story with their children.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS FOR 2014-2015 • More than 500 children (that’s 69% of children in the Glenelg Shire) have been provided with 6177 quality age-appropriate books from the DPIL (9363 books in total since inception of program) • 4 Community awareness & engagement events across the shire to build parent support for reading. • Partnerships with 11 government and non-government agencies in the Glenelg Shire who are working directly with vulnerable children. • A further three year partnership with Portland Aluminium to continue the delivery of books to children living in the Glenelg Shire to 2019. • Addition funding from Portland Aluminium to develop a range of year-round activities encouraging and supporting parents/ carers of children to be effective as their child’s first educators. BIG PLANS FOR 2015-2016 • Social media campaign “Little Humans of Glenelg” encouraging parents/carers to post photos of shared reading. • Photo montage of “Little Humans of Glenelg” at Glenelg Library Portland to celebrate World Literacy Day. • The installation of 4 FREE LITTLE LIBRARIES throughout the Glenelg Shire to encourage the philosophy of "Take a Book. Leave a Book." • Interactive children’s book activities at the 3 major festivals in the Glenelg Shire. • Summer Lawn Library evening for families • Create a “Pay it forward” model to encourage community investment in DPIL.
For just $6.50 per month you can support a child living in the Glenelg Shire to receive a FREE good quality age appropriate book every month. Contact your payroll department to today or United Way Glenelg on mail@unitedwayglenelg.com.au