Alaska News

Proposals sought for Imagination Library

Funds available to launch new programs

Best Beginnings is accepting proposals for grants to launch new local Imagination Libraries. Additional information, including an application checklist and contact form, is available at www.BestBeginningsAlaska.org. All applications must be received by 5 p.m., Monday, January 14, 2013.

Best Beginnings is working to expand Dolly Parton's Imagination Library throughout Alaska. Presently, 93 communities have the program under 29 local Imagination Libraries. More than 19,000 children receive a book in the mail each month. This proposal solicitation is supported financially by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development.

Imagination Library mails a brand new, age appropriate book each month to every child from birth to age 5 who signs up for the program in their community, regardless of family income. There is no charge to participating families. Best Beginnings and local communities raise funds to pay for the books, mailing costs, and family engagement activities. The Dollywood Foundation manages the system to deliver the books to the home.

"Community" can be defined as a town, village, or an area where a group of people live. Normally, the community raises the money for the books and mailing, promotes the program, registers children, and enters the information into the database. This Request for Proposals invites communities to apply for matching financial and technical assistance in setting up their programs. Funding awards will be on a competitive basis.

Anchorage

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