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The Verde Valley Imagination Library (VVIL) is dedicated to improving early childhood
literacy skills by promoting and funding Dolly Parton's Imagination Library for all
qualified children living in the Verde Valley area of Arizona. Language and literacy
skills of children living in the Verde Valley are significantly behind children from other
states. Only 39% of children were proficient or better on the 3rd grade state literacy
test. Poverty levels are high with 67% of school children qualifying for free or reduced
lunch. Arizona ranks 48th in the country for early childhood education spending. High-
quality childcare for working parents is costly and in short supply with friends and
family being the first teachers.
Ninety percent of brain architecture is established by age 5 years. Basic neural pathways
develop for language and early literacy skills in the first three years. The achievement
gap is measurable at 18 months of age and significant by age 3 years. Studies show
that children from low-income homes have heard 30 million fewer words by their 4th
birthday - a huge contributor to language delay and literacy. These are the same
children most likely to struggle in school, need remedial help and drop out. Books in
the home and early exposure to positive interactive talking, singing and reading
starting in infancy makes a lifelong impact on learning. Every dollar invested in early
childhood education saves taxpayers up to $13 in future costs.
Dolly Parton's renown Imagination Library is a book program for children birth to five
that inspires a love of books and reading. Kids receive a carefully selected new book
in the mail every month with their name on it. They love getting mail and beg their
parents to read to them. Busy parents have easy access to high quality books that they may not be able to afford or think to read. Many lack time to visit a library.
The program increases the time parents spend reading with their children and significantly
improves kindergarten readiness for enrolled children. Recent studies show improved
early literacy skills. Books are selected by developmental specialists to be stimulating,
age-appropriate with positive themes that promote self-esteem, confidence and regard
for diversity. Tips for parents are on the back flap of the books. Her foundation
provides the Book Order System, publishes and mails the books. Local sponsors
(Rotary volunteers) enroll preschoolers, manage the Book Order System, promote the
program, and raise funds for books and postage. Parents pay nothing. The
inclusiveness and popularity of this "children's book club" removes the stigma
associated with targeting only underachieving or low-income children.
The Rotary Club of Sedona began funding the imagination Library for children living in
Sedona in 2012. In July 2016, all Rotary Clubs in the Verde Valley collaborated to
expand the program to all children 0-5 years living in the Verde Valley. In November
2016, a new non-profit was formed called The Verde Valley Imagination Library (VVIL)
with bylaws calling for at least half the board to be active Rotarians representing all
participating clubs, Currently 1800 children receive books every month from the
program. In fall 2025, covid relief funding for the cost of books to affiliates who enroll
new children will run out. Local fundraising will assume even greater importance.
$3,750 dollars will be given to the Verde Valley Imagination Library to help fund the
cost of books from the Dollywood Foundation.
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