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The Flint and Genesee Literacy Network brought Dolly Parton Imagination Library to Flint through funding from the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. Flint Kids read was launched with wide community support and the help of the Flint Public Library, FLGN, and Genesee Intermediate School District.
FLINT, MI, December 29, 2022 – The Flint & Genesee Literacy Network expressed gratitude to Congressman Kildee for his support of congressional appropriations to expand the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) program piloted as ‘Flint Kids Read’ throughout all of Genesee County. The Community Foundation of Greater Flint, in partnership with the Flint Public Library, the Genesee Intermediate School District and Flint & Genesee Literacy Network, have previously provided resources for families and organizations concerned with improving the literacy and health of young children in Flint. This program distributed more than 237,845 books to 10,050 children in Flint. This funding will allow the same level of support to touch all children (0-5) throughout Genesee County, building a community of young readers.
This program aims to address inequitable book access by mailing free books from DPIL directly to their homes. The lack of access to books impacts preparedness and places children at a significant disadvantage based on race and poverty. Low literacy rates lead to poverty, poor educational preparation and life outcomes. Kindergarten readiness is a crucial indicator of children’s success through third grade; however, less than half of third-grade children in Michigan are proficient in reading, and fewer than 40% of Genesee County children are proficient in reading by third grade. Supporting child (aged 0-5) literacy, two-generational literacy and kindergarten readiness build a thriving literate community which is the goal of the Flint & Genesee Literacy Network.
FGLN offered special thanks to the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Kildee, Mott Community College and its Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Ruth Mott Foundation and the C.S. Mott Foundation for bringing this vital work to our community.
Stay connected to the Flint &Genesee Literacy via flintliteracynetwork.org or their social media outlets to learn how to enroll once this program expansion launches, and keep an eye out for our upcoming 2023 FGLN State of Literacy Report.
