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Literacy Coalition pitches Dolly Parton Imagination Library to Midland County commissioners
Summary
Lisa Wyman of the Literacy Coalition of the Permian Basin told the county court that the Dolly Parton Imagination Library delivers monthly, age‑appropriate books to children from birth to age 5 and presented enrollment and funding goals for Midland County, which has received about $120,000 so far and aims to reach 65% of 0–5 children over five years.
Lisa Wyman, a board member of the Literacy Coalition of the Permian Basin, urged Midland County commissioners on July 1 to support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a program that mails free, age‑appropriate books to children from birth through age 5.
Wyman said the coalition has adopted the Imagination Library across 16 of the 22 counties it serves and highlighted studies showing early book exposure improves kindergarten readiness and later third‑grade achievement. “Education is the silver bullet and literacy is the foundation,” Wyman said, adding that research partners include regional universities and previously documented results from Arkansas and Canada that show improved test‑readiness for children enrolled in the program.
The presentation included current regional enrollment and funding figures. Wyman said the coalition’s regional enrollment rate was about 11.43 percent of the 0–5 population and that Midland had received roughly $120,000 in designated funds and seed contributions. The coalition’s five‑year target for Midland is to reach 65 percent enrollment of children ages 0–5, a goal the Imagination Library recommends as a realistic “sweet spot.”
Commissioners asked about early indicators and local outreach. Wyman described a county‑level outreach model that uses local volunteers and “champions” to sign families up at libraries, day cares and community events. She said the coalition will partner with local universities to study outcomes over time, and that the coalition plans additional outreach events and “roadshows” to boost enrollment.
The presentation did not include a formal request for a specific county appropriation at this meeting. Commissioners received the information and thanked the coalition for its work. The coalition said it will continue fundraising and coordination with Midland partners to expand enrollment and track early results.
