United Way of Western Connecticut Distributes 200,000th Free Book

This month, the agency will distribute its 200,000th book to children younger than age 5 in 10 communities through the Imagination Library program. This early literacy program provides a new book per month to each enrolled child from ages birth to 5 years at no cost to families.

By the time children are ready to enter kindergarten, they have a personal library of books, something many local families might otherwise not be able to afford, according to a press release.

“Children begin learning at birth,” said the agency's CEO, Kim Morgan, in a press elease. “Research has proven that the early years in a child’s life – those before kindergarten – are a critical period to nurture a child’s growth and brain development. That’s why UWWC is focused on early childhood education and ensuring that every child in our community enters school with the skills needed for success.”

Connecticut has the widest education achievement gap in the country between children from poor and minority families and those from wealthier families, according to a press release.

Additionally, research by the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University indicates 90 percent of a child’s brain development happens before the age of 5. Programs like Imagination Library can help combat the achievement gap before it starts by ensuring all children have access to quality reading materials, cultivating critical reading skills and encouraging parents/caregivers to read aloud with their children, according to a press release.

The Imagination Library program is available in Bethel, Bridgewater, Danbury, Kent, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Stamford, Warren and Washington.

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