Ryan Diminnie just received his first book from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and is enjoying his mom reading “The Little Engine That Could” to him. There will be Imagination Library registration forms, and volunteers reading to children, throughout the day Thursday at the Raise Your Hand Tennessee event at the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library.
A part of the statewide initiative entitled “Raise Your Hand Tennessee,” the event will begin at 10 a.m. and continue through 7 p.m. at the library.
“We are looking forward to seeing lots of children at the public library that day, not only to have age appropriate books read to them, but to see how so many in our community care about them enough to donate their time to be there,” Patrick Long, vice president of Community Impact, for United Way of Bradley County, said.
Business and industry leaders from First Tennessee Bank and Eaton Electrical have volunteered to serve as readers, as have State Rep. Kevin Brooks and State Sen. Mike Bell. Others have also volunteered to read to children at the event, with the readings separated into 15 minute segments. These segments will be conducted at the start of these hours: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
“We have scheduled this so parents can bring their children when it is most convenient for them,” Long explained.
Children who will benefit most from the reading are those up to fifth grade.
Nearly 40 other United Ways across the state will be conducting similar events. First Lady Crissy Haslam will be reading to children at at least one event in the state on Thursday.
“We are so pleased to have those who have committed to volunteer with us at this event,” Long said. “By collaborating together in this type of event, it not only provides a special event for these children, but also shows how we work in a united fashion to help others.”
Long said the “Raise Your Hand Tennessee” event also gives those who do not frequent the public library a great opportunity to learn more about the facility and the programs it provides year-round.
“We hope that parents will learn more about our great library, and bring their children back often,” Long said.
He mentioned that the library has several specific areas for children and adults, as well as a coffee shop that also serves sandwiches and other food.
Long also said that this event is a perfect fit with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, one of United Way of Bradley County’s most popular programs.
“We will have opportunities for parents to sign their children up for the Imagination Library, which provides a free book monthly to children up to the age of 5,” he said. “We have so many who are taking advantage of this program, but many who are not, so please take this opportunity to register your child for this special program.”
Registration for the library’s summer reading programs, for both children and adults, will also be conducted on that day. For more information on these activities, check out the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library website at www.clevelandlibrary.org.
The local “Raise Your Hand Tennessee” event coincides with the Day of Action on Thursday. Every year on June 21, United Way invites all Americans to LIVE UNITED and take action in their communities.
Long said most of the volunteer reading positions are filled, but if you would like to check on any opportunities to help, contact Mary Ellen Stinchfield at the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library at volunteers@clevelandlibrary.org.
“Thank you to the library for their willingness to host this event, and we hope that you will bring your children for a day of fun,” Long added.
