Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren are three of 78 Ohio Counties Offering this Free Book Program for Children

Columbus, Ohio Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine has announced what she describes as amazing progress in reaching young Ohio readers in the Ohio Governors Imagination Library (OGIL) Programs first year.

Now, 206,463 Ohio children from birth to age 5 are enrolled to receive a free Imagination Library book in the mail every single month. The program is currently offered countywide to children in 78 of Ohios counties, with an additional three Crawford, Van Wert, and Mercer launching the OGIL Program in September.

Thanks to dedicated Ohio lawmakers, who are investing in our kids with matching funding, and our wonderful local partners, the Ohio Governors Imagination Library has made outstanding progress in its first year, said Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine. But we still have more work to do. Mike and I look forward to the day that every young child in Ohio no matter what city, county, village or township that child lives in has access to the Ohio Governors Imagination Library books.

Last summer, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program was available in pockets of Ohio when the Ohio Governors Imagination Library partnered with the Dolly Parton program. 93,483 children were enrolled in August 2019.In September 2020 enrollment will more than double to 206,463.

First Lady DeWine in Lawrence County on February 3, 2020 (Provided Photo)

I really enjoyed visiting with our local partners and families in 16 Ohio counties between January and March of this year, said Mrs. DeWine. Of course, that was before the COVID-19 pandemic. But weve continued working to find county partners during these recent months, because we know this program works. Young children are excited to receive the book each month in the mail, which is addressed to them. And just having these books in the home promotes a love of learning and family bonding that we know adds up to preparing children for kindergarten. I encourage all Ohio children to sign up for these free books!

Only seven Ohio counties Ashland, Columbiana, Lake, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, and Seneca remain without a countywide program.

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First Lady DeWine in Cuyahoga County on January 13, 2020 (Provided Photo)

First Lady DeWine in Pike County on January 24, 2020 (Provided Photo)

First Lady DeWine in Scioto County on January 24, 2020 (Provided Photo)

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First Lady announces first year progress on Ohio Governor's Imagination Library Program - Loveland Magazine