West Chester, Pa − October 11, 2024 –To help foster a love of reading in children, state Senators Carolyn Comitta and John Kane secured new funding for Arts Holding Hands and Hearts (AHHAH) to administer Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Chester County.
The program sends one age-appropriate book each month to children in Chester County from birth through age five, at no cost to families.
“Reading at an early age is important for developing language skills, fostering creativity, and supporting cognitive development. Having books at home helps engage parents and families in a child’s learning and literacy,” said Comitta, a former public school educator and member of the Senate Education Committee. “I’m thrilled to help secure this funding to support the good work of AHHAH in promoting reading readiness and ensuring the long-term success of children in our community.”
“Books are the keys that unlock a child’s imagination,” said Senator Kane. “With this grant to Arts Holding Hands and Hearts, we’re not just putting books in kids’ hands – we’re giving them the power to explore new worlds, dream big, and write their own stories. AHHAH and the Imagination Library are turning the page on literacy and advancing the incredible narrative in our Chester County communities. I’m proud to support AHHAH and thrilled to see these books in our kids’ hands, knowing their potential will soar!”
AHHAH serves Chester County children with a mission to build equity and justice by empowering youth, strengthening families, and mobilizing communities through arts, literacy, and mindfulness.
“Arts Holding Hands and Hearts (AHHAH) is grateful to Senator Comitta and Senator Kane for their support of the Chester County Imagination Library and for initiating the PA Statewide Expansion of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, said Jan Michener, executive director of AHHAH. “To date, over 9,100 children under age 5 in Chester County are receiving a brand new, age-appropriate book every month in the mail.”
Earlier this year, Comitta, Kane, and state Senator Maria Collett introduced legislation to expand the Imagination Library program throughout Pennsylvania.
Currently, more than 53,000 Pennsylvania children are enrolled in the Imagination Library across 44 counties. However, there are approximately 700,000 eligible children in the Commonwealth.
For more information on Arts Holding Hands and Hearts Inc., the Imagination Library, and enrollment information go to: ahhah.org
###