Story & Photography by Chelsea-Catherine Croom

Many local businesses, individuals and sponsors came out to support the Imagination Library at the third annual Books at the Barn at the Barn at Snider Farms on Tuesday, April 30. This year’s event featured Dr. Shirley Raines, who spoke about the organization’s importance in the lives of children and their families as well as the lifelong benefits of reading regularly.

The Imagination Library was created by Dolly Parton in 1996, and it provides new books to children from infants to age five at no cost to families.

In Madison County, more than 4,000 children receive books every month through the program. The total cost of the program is $24 per child per year, which includes 12 age-appropriate books.

For more information about the Madison County Imagination Library or to give your support, please call (731) 217-3357.