Main Street McMinnville has partnered with the Southern Standard to encourage the love of reading in Warren County children. The organization will focus on grants, such as that from US Bank, to offer the books to even more children. Pictured, from left, are bank manager Brentt Crouch, Main Street McMinnville representatives Rachel Killebrew and Mary Robbins, Standard employees Holly Cantrell and Pat Zechman, and MSM executive director Carla King

A recent partnership with Main Street McMinnville and a grant from US Bank have given Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program in Warren County a big boost. “Having managed Imagination Library since its inception, and understanding the value it holds in the lives of Warren County children, the Standard is delighted to welcome Main Street McMinnville as a partner in this vital literary program,” said Southern Standard publisher Pat Zechman. One of three pilot counties in the program, Warren County has participated in Imagination Library since 2004. The Standard, with the support of the Tennessee Press Association and an appropriation from Warren County government, assumed leadership in developing, promoting and implementing the program.

Although difficult economic times have severely cut funding, the Standard has kept it operational with diminishing financial support. In addition to maintaining the program database (names and addresses of children to whom books are mailed), the newspaper has contributed financially.

To date, 38 percent (or 1,849) of Warren County children under age 5 are enrolled in the program and 85,417 books have been delivered. There are many more children living in the county who are eligible to participate. However, additional funding is necessary to purchase and distribute the books. Main Street McMinnville, the 501(c)3 downtown revitalization and promotion organization, has partnered with the Standard to initially maintain and eventually grow the program’s outreach to 100 percent in the community.

One of the first steps taken by the Main Street organization to accomplish this goal is to apply for grants and ask for donations — Such was the case with US Bank. “We were pleased to help out with Imagination Library,” said US Bank branch manager Brentt Crouch. “We think this program, which is geared towards the benefit of Warren County children, is truly a worthwhile cause. They are our future.”

US Bank donated $1,000 to the program.

“We want to thank US Bank for its generosity,” said Main Street McMinnville president Randy Garrison. “We are applying for other grants and will be seeking donations with the goal in mind that every child in the community from birth to 5 years of age will eventually be enrolled in the program.” Mary Robbins, a Main Street board member, is project director for Imagination Library, while Standard employee Holly Cantrell maintains the program database. “Main Street’s board has shown great vision in taking on the Books From Birth program as Rachel Killebrew, Mary Robbins, and Carla King have worked tirelessly to bring this about,” said Zechman. “With Main Street’s assistance, the program is sure to reach its potential of having families read together and improve basic skills.”

For more information about Imagination Library, call Main Street McMinnville at 506-5335 or the Southern Standard at 473- 2191.

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