NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Surrounding a young child with books is so important. But for some, books are a luxury they can't afford or easily access.
The Nashville Public Library Foundation is raising money to launch a $20 million initiative called Begin Bright. It will provide several dozen books and coaching to the 400 or so licensed childcare centers in Davidson County. Through the Library's program Bringing Books To Life, more than 100 local childcare centers are already receiving training for teachers and parents.
Begin Bright will help them reach potentially 45,000 kids five and younger. In addition to establishing Little Libraries at every center, the program will include workshops for adults in kids' lives which will guide them in effectively reading to little kids. "When you're reading to a child, stop and ask them, 'What's going to happen? Or what do you think just happened?' And that allows the child to develop a love of learning," said Shawn Bakker, NPL Foundation president.
A $4.5 million investment by The Dollywood Foundation, home of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will kickstart the library's groundbreaking, new early literacy program. “I really believe this partnership can make a huge impact on inspiring a love of reading for children and families.
And one of the best parts is that Nashville can once again light the way for the nation,” said Dolly Parton. Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, millions of free books are mailed to children eve.
