NEK Free Reading

Details

Created on Thursday, 10 February 2022 20:26

Written by Alek Wolfe

AROUND THE NEK - If you have ever bought a book for your child, you will know that it costs money. When it comes to "Everybody Reads In The Kingdom," reading to your kids is free.

This program is 1 of 14 affiliates in the state of Vermont as part of the Dolly Parton Imagination library.

The Country Music icon started the foundation back in 1995 with the hope that all children from new born until they were 5 years old could get a book free of charge every month and is funded by the Dolly Parton foundation.

Since Parton's vision, this program has found its way out of Tennessee and has spread to other states including our very own Vermont.

"Dolly Parton is careful, she's thoughtful, she's analytical, and she's very talented. We all enjoy her music, performances, and style," Edward Helm, Project coordinator said.

When a child is signed up for the program, the very first book they receive is called, "The Little Engine That Could." And while this books may be a classic, the Dolly Parton Foundation has put something special in each book. A guide for parents for reading which allows them to express vocabulary with expression when reading to their child.

"It's wonderful to have parents read to them and for them to have their own books. Read aloud bed time stories are a great way for parents and their kids to bond," David Martin, NEK author said.

Martin has a book that has been published for millions of children called, "Shush Bears sleeping." Martin was also an early education teacher for 18 years and was once on the Department of Education.

A new bill, H636, looks to establish the Vermont Imagination Library. And should this bill pass, Parton has said she will personally come up to the green mountain state to help launch the law and celebrate.

"Literacy is teriffically important, with all the computers and technology, bottom line is you also have to know how to read," Martin said.

"There are a lot of other kids that are on the other side of the mountain we need to connect with, this bill needs support," Helm added.

If you want to sign up for the Dolly Parton Program, you can go to this website to download the form or register online.