SIDNEY — The Shelby County Libraries and Shelby County United Way have announced more than 17,700 books have been mailed to children under the age of 5 in Shelby County after the first year.

Through a collaboration of funding partners, Imagination Library was launched at a ceremony at the Amos Memorial Library, late March of 2015. Imagination Library, started by Dolly Parton, is an early childhood literacy program. Age appropriate books are mailed monthly to the child’s home. This data rich program is proven to improve a child’s kindergarten readiness, increase visits to the local library, and increase the frequency of time spent with the child and their care giver.

A total of 1,793 children under the age of 5 have been enrolled in the first year, representing 52.7 percent of the county’s under 5 year old population. Enrollment for the county is: Anna 176, Botkins 100, Fort Loramie 163, Houston 52, Jackson Center 62, Kettlersville 7, Maplewood 25, Pemberton 6, Port Jefferson 11, Russia, 89, Sidney 1,066, Other zip codes 36.

“This has been a fantastic first year of programming and enrollment,” said Scott Barr, Shelby County executive director. “We have far exceeded our first year expectations and well on our way to our first goal of 60 percent enrollment. We believe that over 75 percent enrollment is now attainable. We want to thank all our funding partners in making this a success. Wilson Health is enrolling all newborns at the birthing center. We are blessed to have their partnership and our enrollment numbers increase monthly for it.”

“This has truly been a collaborative effort and I am excited to see the impact that this program will have on our Community,” said Suzanne Cline, Shelby County Libraries director. “All children in Shelby County who meet the age requirement have the ability to participate and can gain the necessary literacy tools they need to help them succeed in school. The Library is pleased and proud to be the administrators of the Imagination Library program.”

In addition to the Shelby County United Way and the Shelby County Libraries, funding is provided by Altrusa, Sidney Kiwanis, Sidney Rotary, Sidney City Schools, Midwest Regional ESC, Sidney-Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, Monarch Legacy Fund, POWER, and Wilson Health.

Visit imaginationlibrary.com and click “Register My Child” to enroll a child under 5 residing in Shelby County.