For some time now, the Together Initiative Network (TIN), which includes Pequea Valley School District (PVSD), along with area churches, ministries, and businesses has had a goal of providing the support needed to have 90% of local children reading by third grade and reading proficiently by fourth grade. The goal is based on data that shows individuals are 10 times more likely to end up in generational poverty if they are not reading by third grade.

According to Lisa Eckert, PVSD director of early learning since January of 2020, one way to reach that goal is to put books in the hands of children from birth to age 5. "We know when there are books in the home, chances are parents will be reading (to children)," said Eckert, who noted that in low-income homes that can be a challenge. "Those families must meet basic needs before thinking of extra things," she said. "Our goal is to make sure families don't have to worry about that extra thing like books."

For about seven years, PVSD has made more books available to more children by taking part in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, an international program administered locally through the Literacy Council of Lancaster-Lebanon. For a nominal cost per book, 225 PVSD preschoolers receive a book in the mail each month. "So we are giving out close to 3,000 books a year," noted Eckert.

While statistical evidence points to the availability of books in a home as an indicator of family members being more likely to read, Eckert acknowledged that there are additional benefits to children. "There's so much that happens in addition to parents reading to them," explained Eckert. "A lot of developmental (steps) are encouraged by having the physical book available." Eckert added that increases in kindergarten readiness and academic, social, and emotional benchmarks have been noted. "Everything we're doing is contributing to that, and (Imagination Library) is a big part of that."

Imagination Library does more than simply mail books to children. Care is taken in selecting books that speak to the child's developmental level. "All the books are age appropriate," said Eckert. "Infants get board books or touch-and-feel-books," she added. Parents of PVSD children from birth to age 5 may visit https://tinyurl.com/33mru83y to sign up for the program. "Families fill out the form, and we contact (the families), and we submit the form," said Eckert. "Within a few months they start receiving books once a month."

Eckert is devoted to and knowledgeable about the early learning program in PVSD, having first taken part as a Community Action Partnership employee in 2018. On the day she was interviewed for this story, she wore a black T-shirt emblazoned with the words "It is a good day to read a book" in a variety of bright colors.

Although the cost per book is nominal, the cost for the program per month runs about $500 or about $30 a year per child. "We are always looking for sponsorships and support for this program," said Eckert, who noted the fees cover the book and shipping. Readers who are interested in learning more about ways to help support Imagination Library may email lisa_eckert@pequeavalley.org or call 717-381-5020.