Bringing the Imagination Library to Broadwater County

Published: 2019
By Allison Kosto

A couple of years ago, Extension Agent Allison Kosto became involved in a community initiative to increase the quantity and quality of childcare providers in Broadwater County. This initiative developed a new community organization called the Broadwater Early Childhood Advocates (BECA). The mission of BECA is to be a supportive community resource, working with community partners for young children and their families. Projects soon extended beyond childcare to include early childhood education, wellness and family support. Kosto was instrumental in developing the new organization and obtaining a fiscal sponsor as a 501(c)3. The first major project of BECA was to bring the Imagination Library to Broadwater County. The Imagination Library is a program facilitated by the Dolly Parton Foundation in partnership with a local organization. Every child who is enrolled in the program receives a free age appropriate book each month from birth until the age of 5. There are many research-based benefits to reading with young children. Studies have shown that reading to young children helps with essential brain development, improve kindergarten readiness and strengthen the community literacy level. The Dolly Parton Foundation covers some costs of the program, but it is the responsibility of the local community partner to fund the cost of books, postage and mailing which equals $25/child/year. With Kosto in the lead, BECA raised over $6,000 for the program by the fall of 2019. In October, the program officially launched in Broadwater County and actively enrolled youth who received their first book in December.