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SONOMA COUNTY ROTARIANS GO ALL IN ON DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY
May 20 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
For Immediate Release
Contact: Elizabeth Fox Sonoma County Assoc. of Rotary Clubs
(707) 536-7834
Lizafox.sonoma@gmail.com SONOMA COUNTY ROTARIANS GO ALL IN ON DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY
(Santa Rosa, CA) May 14, 2025- On Tuesday, May 20, at 1:00 PM, the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County will host a significant announcement: All 21 of Sonoma County’s Rotary Clubs have come together to pledge their commitment to doubling the number of children aged zero to five who receive free books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
This endorsement reflects the dedication of over 1,000 Rotarians in Sonoma County to foster educational opportunities and promote literacy among the youngest members of our community. Their support will energize the Sonoma County Imagination Library—an initiative launched in 2024 by First Five and the Community Foundation of Sonoma County, along with other local organizations, and already one of the most impactful early literacy programs our community has seen in decades. In light of the alarming recent news about the continued decline in students’ reading scores, the value of early reading competency is greater than ever.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been delivering age-appropriate books monthly to children aged 0-5 since 1995 in English and now offers an option for bilingual English/Spanish. It has demonstrated its ability to nurture a love of reading, and by enhancing access to this invaluable resource, the Rotary Clubs aim to create lasting bonds between parents and children, ultimately transforming lives through the power of literacy. The decision to support this program stems from a thorough assessment by the Sonoma County Association of Rotary Clubs, which identified the Imagination Library as a proven model worthy of expansion throughout the county.
The press conference will feature remarks from key community leaders, including;
– Jim O’Grady, Rotary District Governor
– Óscar Chávez, President & CEO, Community Foundation Sonoma County
– Angie Dillon-Shore, Executive Director, First 5 Sonoma County
– Dana Pedersen, Twin Hills Union Superintendent
– Meredeth Bertacco, Sebastopol resident and mother of current Sonoma County Imagination Library participants
Together, they will share how the Sonoma County Imagination Library deserves broad community support, and how Sonoma County’s Rotary Clubs are stepping up to make sure children have access to this life-changing program. Learn more about the program at sonomacf.org/scil.
Press Conference Details: Tuesday, May 20, 1:00PM, Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
1835 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
