Glue guns, change jars, and two million books: Call for entries for Imagination Library's inaugural 'Banks for Books' Campaign

KNOXVILLE — Since 2005, the Knoxville community has pulled together to provide more than two million books free books to children under five in Knox County to prepare them to learn to read and to succeed in school.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Knox County will mail out its two millionth free book this September. To celebrate this milestone, they are calling on the whole community to give back with their imaginations, artistic talents, and some spare change.

Kids, families, daycares, scout groups, church groups, and businesses of all sizes are encouraged to enter the “Banks for Books” campaign, which transforms an ordinary 5 gallon water jug into a themed “piggy bank” and collects change. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative coin banks in four categories as well as for the banks that raise the most spare change.

Participants can register now through September 15 by visiting www.knoxlib.org/banksforbooks. Entry is only $15, which sponsors one child for one year of books. Each participant will receive a 5 gallon jug provided by Culligan along with rules and instructions for the campaign.

On September 20, the public is invited to view all the “Banks for Books” at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 2-4 p.m. The Imagination Library "Banks for Books” Showcase will include family entertainment, crafts and refreshments, sponsored by Food City. Each participating "Banks for Books" will be able to collect coins through the end of October. The Home Federal Bank Cash-In will take place from November 2-5. The entry who raises the most money will be announced November 10.

“Imagination Library has been a wonderful program for our community. Studies have shown that children who have received the books are better prepared for school and perform better academically into the 3rd grade than children who have not been in the program. This program has been proven to work and is one of the least expensive ways to improve children's lives" commented Bonny Naugher, Chair of Imagination Library of Knox County. “It’s up to our community to provide the funding for books and mailing. We are proud to be the leading program in the country in urban registrants.”

Published August 19, 2015