FGV Smart Start has two literacy programs that are designed to get books into the homes of children, and to encourage parents to read with their children as much as possible. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, for children ages 0-5 years, enrolls children so that they receive a developmentally appropriate book mailed each month to their home. The first book for each child is, “The Little Engine That Could”, and the last book, when your child turns 5 years old is “Kindergarten, Here I Come! “ To date, 3145 in Franklin, Granville, and Vance counties are enrolled. Parents can enroll their child ( ages 0-5 years) in one of two methods. Go on-line to the Imagination Library website at www.imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability, or pick up an application at these local sites:

Vance County: FGV Smart Start, Perry Memorial Library, City of Henderson, Vance County Health Department (WIC), NC Pediatrics, and Maria Parham Medical Center ( Maternity, 2nd floor).

Franklin County: Louisburg Library, Bunn Library, Franklinton Library, Youngsville Library, Franklin County Health Department (WIC), and NC Pediatrics.

Granville County: Richard Thornton Library, South Branch Library (Creedmoor), NC Pediatrics, Granville Primary Care, Granville County Health Department (WIC), and Oxford Housing Authority.

Reach Out and Read is an additional literacy program provided in the pediatrician sites where each child 6 months to 5 years of age gets a developmentally appropriate book. While the parent and child are in the pediatric exam room, the pediatrician will speak to parents about the importance of reading aloud to their children every day, and offer age-appropriate literacy tips and encouragement. The ROR model uses the access of the medical practice, as well as the trusted advisor relationship that the health care provider has to influence parental behavior. Reach Out and Read is offered at NC Pediatrics ( Henderson, Oxford, and Louisburg), and the health departments in each county.