On April 24, from 10 am – 12 pm and 5 pm – 8 pm, the Kennett Library and Arts Holding Hands and Hearts (AHHAH) will co-host a Spring Forward Together event geared towards families with children to celebrate the Chester County Imagination Library (CCIL).
Children from birth to age five who live in Chester County are eligible to be enrolled in the Chester County Imagination Library program to receive a free book in the mail once a month. In just one year, AHHAH has registered over 7,800 children and mailed over 81,000 books through the Chester County Imagination Library.
AHHAH powers the Chester County Imagination Library in partnership with the Justamere Foundation and the Kennett Library. Their goal is to increase literacy levels for preschool-age children living in Chester County, PA, to provide opportunities for positive family experiences and engagement, and to foster a love of reading in the greater Chester County community.
Jan Michener, Executive Director of AHHAH, said, “AHHAH’s partnership and collaboration with the Kennett Library and all the wonderful organizations in Chester County shows the power and impact of coming together. We have woven a basket of love and cultivated a community of mutual aid and support. When a child or family falls into our basket, instead of falling through the cracks, they are launched into a trajectory of love, learning, and support.”
Over 40 organizations serving families in Chester County will be in attendance. Local representatives, including Senator Comitta, Senator Kane, Representative Sappey, and Representative Williams, will share the Senate and House initiative to expand the Dolly Parton Imagination Library statewide.
The day will begin at 10 am with activities for children and resources for families until noon.
From 5 pm to 8 pm, there will be additional resources for working families and an opportunity to meet community vendors.
At 7 pm, there will be a special announcement from our elected officials, followed by a reception.
Chris Manna, Executive Director of Kennett Library, said, “The Kennett Library supports lifelong learning. As part of this effort, we support starting our youngest learners with the necessary tools to thrive. These tools involve books in the home to promote literacy at the earliest of ages and to increase school readiness. The Imagination Library is a huge component of this readiness level.”
Kennett Library and AHHAH look forward to offering families this opportunity to learn about the local organizations that do vital work to support and enrich the community.
