Attendees are encouraged to bring spare change to contribute to Banks for Books creations
Since Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library launched in early 2005, 2 million books have been delivered to nearly 40,000 young children of Knox County. To celebrate this important milestone, kids of all ages are invited to a free Imagination Library Party & Showcase at the Knoxville Museum of Art on Sunday, September 20 from 2-4 p.m.
Fun for all ages, the party includes magic shows, children’s activities, crafts, and more. The 2 millionth book will be presented to one lucky Imagination Library child in the program. Cake, provided by Food City, and popcorn will be served.
The centerpiece of the party is a showcase of Banks for Books. Neighbors, families, groups, and artists were challenged to transform an ordinary 5 gallon water jug into “piggy banks” designed to collect change for Imagination Library books. Nearly 30 banks will be on display representing everything from rocket ships, pigs, and trains to the Lady Bug Girl. Prizes will be given for the people’s choice and best in each category. Attendees are encouraged to bring their spare change to put in their favorite banks or they can buy coins onsite to support their favorite banks.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is administered locally by the Knox County Public Library and is supported by a board of advisors responsible for raising the funds to send out nearly 19,000 free books every month to children under 5. Research shows that having books in the home of young children is one of the most revealing indicators of long term success in school. Children who are read to on a daily basis from birth have an increased likelihood of reading on grade level at the third grade.
Banks for Books and the Imagination Library Party celebrating 2 million books is made possible through the generous support of Food City, Culligan, Home Federal Bank, Knoxville Museum of Art, Knoxville News Sentinel, and WBIR TV.
For more information on this event or on Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Knox County, please contact Danielle Velez, program coordinator at (865) 215-8784 or dvelez@knoxlib.org.
