06-02-2025
Binghamton CSD becomes branch of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
BIGNHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH) – Young kids in Binghamton are receiving a special monthly treat in the mail, designed to foster a love of reading.
The Binghamton City School District is becoming a virtual branch of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Roughly 350 children between birth and 4 years-old who are currently enrolled in a Binghamton Pre-K or the PACT program began receiving the books last month.
This morning, teacher Jennifer Mosher read 'The Little Engine That Could' to her students in the pre-K room at Calvin Coolidge Elementary. For the first month, all kids received The Little Engine That Could, but going forward, the books will be designed to be age-appropriate depending on the recipient.
Scout Orr is the Director of Math, Science and Technology for the district. He says it allows parents and caregivers to share the adventure of reading with their kids.
'I know with my own children, they love running out to the mailbox and opening up a package in the mail. I think all the children who are receiving a book will be so excited every month,' Orr said.
'It's so important, it's so vital, it's beautiful, it's joyous to snuggle up with a good book and go down that adventure of reading.'
Pre-K teachers and PACT educators are encouraged to incorporate the monthly books into their lessons. Binghamton has multiple Pre-K classrooms both in district schools and with partner agencies in the community.
Funding to bring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to Binghamton was provided by the Katie Titus Early Literacy Fund, which honors the memory of Binghamton High School Junior Katie Titus who dies in an automobile accident in 1996.
The books will arrive year-round. Orr says she's hopeful the district will be able to sustain and grow the initiative in years to come.
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