The working class anthem inspired a film and a children's book — one that’s available through the star’s “Imagination Library” program, which mails monthly books across the globe free of charge. The program launched in the Capital Region this summer. Now, reminiscent of the 70s hit, local children need no money to build something beautiful.
A vast collection of books awaits all that sign up for the program. On Monday, an event was held at the Karen B. Johnson Central Library of the Schenectady County Public Library system in order to celebrate the program coming to the area.
During the library’s Music and Movement class for toddlers, parents were able to sign their children up for the program and receive a copy of the first book — American classic “The Little Engine That Could.” “It’s nice to get something different every time to be able to read to them and share with them,” said Angela Vanderwalker, of Duanesburg, whose two children are in the Monday morning class. To date, more than 800 children in Schenectady County are enrolled with more than 1,600 books delivered so far.
Regionally, 10,870 books have been sent out, with Albany and Saratoga counties leading the charge in enrollees so far. To sign up, head to imaginationlibrary.com and select your county of residence.
Children in Schenectady, Albany, Saratoga, Columbia, Greene, Fulton, Montgomery, Rensselaer and Schoharie counties are eligible from birth until their fifth birthday. United Way of the.