Eaton County's IMAGINATION LIBRARY 

Did you know that 85% of brain development occurs between birth and age five?

You can help us provide a free, hard-cover children's book to every child in your city or township from birth to age five, mailed directly to their home, EACH AND EVERY MONTH!

From birth to age five, a child's I.Q. may be raised up to 40 points as a direct result of consistent, positive interaction.  This interaction could include reading at least 30 minutes per night between child and parent.

Eaton County United Way has identified children as their number one priority, and as a result is sponsoring a program that will benefit the children in the various communities and townships in Eaton County.

In partnership with the Dollywood Foundation, the program would provide every child with an age-appropriate, hard covered book once a month from birth to age five, mailed directly to the child at their home address. The program, called the “Imagination Library,” complements the Eaton Intermediate School District’s Early Childhood Connections initiative.

The program cost is $27 per child per year.  Initially, first year funds only will be needed to begin the program. Each subsequent year the amount needed will go up as new children are enrolled. All children residing in Eaton County, with the exception of Grand Ledge, Sunfield, Mulliken and Delta Township, are invited to enroll.

Eaton Federal Savings Bank has offered to maintain separate accounts for each community or township wishing to enroll in the Imagination Library. Any fundraising done by the community will be deposited in their separate account.

Eaton County United Way puts each community’s Imagination Library on the fall campaign pledge form and every dollar designated by donors is placed in the appropriate account at EFSB. This will supplement fundraising done by the community/township.

Brochures which will describe the Imagination Library and provide a registration form for children are available at each community/township governmental offices as well as area libraries. There are no income guidelines—all children can be enrolled by their parent, grandparent, or guardian.

The Imagination Library was developed in 1995 by Dolly Parton for her hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee.  Dolly wanted every preschool child to have their own library of books.  The effort received numerous awards and extraordinary media attention which generated interest from across the country.  After much thought, Dolly decided to offer her Imagination Library for replication in any community that would support it.  Dolly's program is an educational initiative of the Dollywood Foundation.