Dutchess, Ulster Co. library programs receive thousands in state grants

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The New York State Library has awarded a total of nearly $500,000 to 25 library programs across the state. Four of the programs are located within Dutchess and Ulster counties.

The grants come as part of an effort to expand Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to communities across the state. Every month, the Imagination Library, which operates out of community organizations, mails free books to children beginning when they’re born until they’re five years old, regardless of their family’s income.

Over 73,000 children are enrolled in Imagination Library programs throughout New York State, according to the organization’s website. Over 12,000 of those children are located within the Capital Region.

Each awarded grant covers up to 50% of program partner costs, ranging from $2,500 to $49,000, depending on the program. Take a look below for the recipients in Dutchess County and Ulster County:

“Early literacy is one of the strongest predictors of lifelong learning and success, and every child deserves the chance to grow up with a love of books and stories,” said New York State Librarian Lauren Moore. “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library shows the power of putting books directly into children’s hands, and these grants help to extend that gift to families statewide.”