In 2021 the Stayton Public Library Foundation (SPLF) – supported by private donations, grants and legislative funding from the State of Oregon – partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program to provide monthly, no cost, developmentally appropriate books to children ages zero to five, as a way of both supporting early literacy and building the home libraries of children in Stayton, Sublimity, Gates, Mehama, Detroit and Idanha.
“Currently, we have 408 active participants signed up, and over 2,700 books have been sent out since January of this year,” Deana Freres, a SPLF board member and volunteer, said of the program which, thanks to the recent addition of Spanish language book options, will be accessible to more families than ever before.
“We’re excited about this new development, because anytime options are made available for folks, it honors a family’s opportunity to choose what best fits their needs,” Freres said.
The addition aligns with the mission of the Stayton Public Library as well.
“Children’s programming at the Stayton Public Library offers families opportunities to connect and build friendships while exploring early literacy at the heart of their community,” Jennifer Gaetan, administrator of the SPLF’s Imagination Library program, said. “Once basic needs are met, providing support for creating safe and healthy spaces and experiences for anyone who walks through the door is important.”
Registration for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program can be done online at www.staytonlibraryfoundation.com/dolly-parton-imagination-library or at the Stayton Public Library front desk. Donations for the program can be given online at www.staytonlibraryfoundation.com or mailed to Stayton Public Library Foundation, P.O. Box 810, Stayton, OR 97383.
