Amador County – First 5 Amador last week announced a program that will bring a monthly new, free book to all children, from birth to age 5. Cheri Garamendi, school readiness coordinator for First 5 Amador, announced the program as a kickoff to September’s National Literacy Month. Garamendi said “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library”, a new program originally created in 1996, “mails a new, age-appropriate book every month to registered children from birth until their fifth birthday — at no cost to the family, regardless of income.” She said: “First 5 Amador is very excited about this addition to our community,” and she said “reading helps your child develop 4 basic thinking skills, including the ability to pay attention, a good memory, the ability to solve problems and good language skills.” Each year, one third of America’s children arrive at their first day of school developmentally behind their peers and without the skills necessary to succeed at grade level, according to reports from Jumpstart, a nationwide leader in promoting early literacy. When children begin behind their peers, catching up, especially without additional assistance, is difficult and unlikely. Garamendi said it may sound too simple to be true, but by reading regularly with young children from infancy on, parents are giving them the biggest boost toward a successful education they will ever get. The first book that each child receives is a customized version of the children’s classic The Little Engine That Could. On a monthly basis, children will then receive a developmentally appropriate book to help build their early literacy library. When signed-up at birth, a child will receive their 60th free book the month that they turn five. Signing up is easy. Registration brochures are available at the Jackson, Plymouth and Ione branches of the Amador County Public Library. Also, get them at Amador County Public Health Department; at Resource Connection & First 5 Amador playgroups; Upcountry Community Center; Camanche Lake Community Center; Ione Family Learning Center; First 5 Amador office in Jackson; or through Amador County Public Health & First 5 Amador’s Baby Welcome Wagon Program. Parents can register online at www.imaginationlibrary.com. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.