United Way gives 100,000 free books to children in Snohomish County

EVERETT – If children are reading this story, they may have the United Way of Snohomish County and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to thank.

United Way partnered with Imagination Library in June 2023 and began shipping books to families two months later. In just under a year, United Way shipped more than 100,000 free books to children in Snohomish County, the nonprofit announced in a press release.

“Access to early literature helps shape future academic success and lifelong learning,” said Maya Hemachandra, interim president and CEO of United Way of Snohomish County, in a press release. “Knowing that so many families in our community will benefit from this program and receive these books is a huge milestone that we are proud to celebrate.”

The Imagination Library delivers age-appropriate books to children from birth to age 5 every month until their fifth birthday.

The program is free for families, but parents must register their children to participate in the program, the press release said. After registration, the books will arrive within 8 to 12 weeks. Currently, nearly 11,000 children are involved in the program and are receiving these books. Another 40,000 children are eligible for books but are not yet enrolled, United Way said.

United Way created the partnership to achieve its goal of improving childhood literacy rates, promoting a love of books and supporting a culture of reading.

Families not currently participating in the program or interested in more information can learn more at uwsc.org/freebooksforkids.

Michael Henneke: 425-339-3431; [email protected]; Twitter: @ihenpecked.