KNOXVILLE -- Knox County Public Library and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Knox County invite the public to celebrate early literacy at the Kids Jamboree & Strollerthon on Saturday, September 14 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at West Town Mall. The event is being held to celebrate the 1.5 million books mailed to the children of Knox County since 2005. The Kids Jamboree & Strollerthon will feature a live broadcast of WDVX's Kids Stuff with Sean McCollough, celebrity story times, cake, crafts, and prizes for the entire family.
Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett will deliver the 1.5 millionth book at the event and will present a joint proclamation declaring the third week in September Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Week in Knox County and the city of Knoxville.
Local celebrities including Knox County's Teacher of the Year 2013 - Ms. Kitty Menhinich, WVLT reporters Kelli Parker and Marco Villarreal, Miss Rocky Top - Rachael Turner, Kindermusik presenters, and Sean McCollough from WDVX’s Kids Stuff Radio Show will read featured Imagination Library books and lead songs with the children.
"We hope everyone comes out to celebrate our children and support them in early literacy. Getting a good start in life is really something every young family can do," commented Mayor Tim Burchett. "With Imagination Library and our outstanding public library system, it just takes 20 minutes a day to set a solid foundation that will pay off for years to come."
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Kids Jamboree & Strollerthon will kick-off with a 2-mile fun walk around West Town Mall with registration beginning at 8 a.m. Strollers will start strolling at 9 a.m. Prizes will be given for Best Decorated Stroller, Best Storybook Character Costume, and drawings for gift cards for all race finishers will be given throughout the day. A $12 registration fee for the Strollerthon will cover the cost of books and mailing for one child in Knox County for an entire year. Please visit www.knoxlib.org/il for registration, official Strollerthon rules and schedule of activities.
Studies show children who are read to from birth have higher academic success in their educational future. A 2012 study conducted by the Knox County School System showed children who were enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library from birth performed statistically significantly better than their peers on third grade achievement tests compared with their peers who were not enrolled in the program.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Kids Jamboree is made possible by the generous support of the Knoxville News Sentinel, Buy Buy Baby, Kidsville News, Comcast, B97.5, and WVLT.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Knox County provides free, age-appropriate, high-quality, new books to almost 18,000 children ages birth to five in Knox County each month. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Knox County is a program of the Knox County Public Library and is made possible through our partnership with the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation and many community donors.
Since 1886, the people of Knox County have been fortunate to have an impressive collection of library resources. Today, the Knox County Public Library is prouder than ever to offer more than one million books, periodicals, CDs, films, and audiobooks. From innovative programming and reference services to the latest technology, Library staff is working hard to make your library experience more convenient and relevant than ever. With over 19 facilities across the county, it's a good time to be a library card holder.
Learn more about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Kids Jamboree and Strollerthon at www.knoxlib.org/il or by calling (865) 215-8764.
