Read SI, a new regional partnership has been formed to help launch the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, in Southern Illinois.
Over 20 partner agencies and individuals are working together, hoping to launch the initiative by July 1st.
Partnership organizers include the Southern Illinois Community Foundation, the Southern Illinois Coalition for Children and families, and the Walker Borum Foundation.
The program is designed to promote early childhood literacy and create opportunities for parents and children by enjoying reading together. This program is dedicated to gifting high quality books free of charge to children from birth to age five. Once the child is enrolled in the program they will receive a book each month in the mail.
Byram Fager, of the Southern Illinois Community Foundation says members of Read SI must raise $42,000 before the program can be launched and at this time is seeking donations.
