Letter from the Director: Give the Gift of Literacy

Dear Greene County Public Library friends and family,

‘Tis the time of year for giving. Presents and gifts wrapped with shiny paper and bows are a staple in the holiday season. As children we remember opening up a box or dumping out a stocking full of candy and trinkets. As adults we enjoy seeing the magic of giving—the surprise on a child’s face, the heartfelt gratitude for that perfect gift that shows you’ve been thinking about someone.

The best gifts are the ones that take on more meaning with age. Sure, we buy trendy toys that might end up broken or lost. Clothes only fit for so many years. Why not give a gift that lasts? 

This year, give a child the gift of literacy. Greene County Public Library is a proud partner in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library—an initiative that puts books directly into the hands of children ages 0–5. To be eligible, a child must be under the age of five and reside in Greene County. That’s it.

Here’s how it works: After a child is registered with the program, they will start receiving one book every month in the mail. The age-appropriate book will arrive shrink-wrapped and addressed to the child.

Study after study shows the benefit of early literacy and the conclusions are a chorus saying the same thing: Kids who read succeed.

Sponsoring a child for one year is only $25. Sponsoring a child for their entire time in the program is an investment of $125. That’s all it takes to give a child a lifetime of literacy, to give a kid a path to success. Donations are tax-deductible. Information about registering a child and sponsorship is available at the Greene County Public Library Foundation website at greenelibraryfoundation.org. 

Season’s greetings,

Karl Colón, Director