gov. bredesen designates third week in september as second annual imagination library week in tennes

Communities statewide will publicize the benefits of books for young children in a big way, as Gov. Phil Bredesen proclaims Sept. 16-22, 2007 as Imagination Library Week in Tennessee, kicking off a celebration of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Now in its second year, Imagination Library Week will be packed with events aimed at bolstering enrollment and fund-raising in nearly all 95 counties.

"As we near the point that nearly one out of every two eligible children in Tennessee is registered in this important pre-kindergarten literacy program, I recognize there are still many more families with young children left to reach," said Gov. Bredesen. "Imagination Library Week is an opportunity to generate greater awareness for the program, and the importance of reading to children regularly as preparation for formal education. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of volunteers in all 95 counties, we are workingtoward instilling a love of books and reading - at the earliest possible age - in each and every one of Tennessee's children."

From celebrations and sign-up drives at area public libraries, to stroller-thons, fall fests and golf outings, nearly every county in Tennessee has local activities planned for Imagination Library Week. County volunteers have posted information on local events to an online calendar on the Imagination Library Week section of the Governor's Foundation Web site, www.GovernorsFoundation.org/il_week.htm.

Statewide volunteer organizations such as the AT&T Telecom Pioneers Life Members and Delta Kappa Gamma Society have also offered their time, money and resources to local Imagination Library programs.

Created in 1996 by Dolly Parton in her hometown of Sevierville, Tenn., the Imagination Library mails a new, age-appropriate, hardcover book every single month to registered children from birth to age five - at no cost to the family, regardless of income. A blue-ribbon committee of childhood education experts selects the books for the Imagination Library, which includes such classics as The Little Engine That Could, The Snowy Day, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten.

Any child in Tennessee under age five can be registered for the Imagination Library. Forty-seven percent of the state's eligible population - nearly 175,000 - are currently registered in the program and will receive a free book in September.

The cost of delivering 12 hardback books to one child is $27 annually. This cost is split evenly between a county's sponsoring organization and a state budgetary allocation requested annually by the governor, approved by the General Assembly, and administered by the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation. Meaning, Imagination Library county sponsoring organizations need only raise $13.50 per child, per year.

A core mission of the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation is to enroll any and all eligible children in the program. As public awareness for the Imagination Library continues to build, the Foundation also assists dedicated volunteers in all 95 counties with fund-raising efforts to cover half the cost of the books.

To learn more about the Imagination Library program in your county, or for information on how to register a child, visit www.GovernorsFoundation.org or call toll-free, 1-877-99-BOOKS.