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 Greater Capital region Team Members, Gerri Goggin and Allison Clark, pose for a photo while helping families sign of for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library at the Schenectady County Public Library on Monday. To launch a local chapter of the program, the Imagination Library requires a local partner to help facilitate.
United Way of the Greater Capital Region soft launched its chapter in nine counties this summer and will hold events to mark its arrival in each of the counties throughout the fall. Local affiliates can be nonprofits, school districts, businesses or even individuals. “We know the importance of early childhood literacy,” said UWGCR CEO Peter Gannon.
“United Way of the Greater Capital Region has long supported initiatives that do this and put books in the hands of children ...
because we know the data suggest there is a real strong correlation between that early reading and success later in life.” Fourty-one percent of Schenectady County families live below UWGRC’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold, meaning that they may struggle to afford things such as educational resources. UWGCR works to address such needs by bringing health, education, and financial stability to families regionwide.
PETER R. BARBER Mave Magliaro, 9, of Niskayuna plays pickle ball with her friend Lilly Gilbert, 9, at the Farmer's Market in front of Niskayuna Town Hall Saturday, September 14, 2024. PETER R.
BARBER Lilly Gilbert, 9, of Niskayuna plays pickle ball with her friend Mave Magliaro, 9, at the Farmer's Market in front of Niskayuna Town Hall Saturday, September 14, 2024. Amanda Brazee, left, is helped with a purchase from Brian Debraccio of Rotterdam at the Farmer's Market in front of Niskayuna Town Hall Saturday, September 14, 2024. PETER R.
BARBER An abundance of pumpkins, gords and squash were on display at the Farmer's Market in front of Niskayuna Town Hall Saturday, September 14, 2024. PETER R. BARBER Flowers in mason jars at Brian Debraccio's produce stand at the Farmer's Market in front of Niskayuna Town Hall Saturday, September 14, 2024.
PETER R. BARBER The Farmer's Market in front of Niskayuna Town Hall Saturday, September 14, 2024. -.
