Celebrating Early Literacy: Russell County Shines with Imagination Library Success
On February 18, 2025, the Russell County Public Library hosted a celebration of early literacy, joined by the First Lady of Kentucky, Britainy Beshear. This special event highlighted the importance of reading and the community’s outstanding commitment to fostering a love for books from an early age.
As a participant in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program, Russell County stands out for having the highest participation rate in the state of Kentucky — a remarkable achievement made possible in part by the dedicated efforts of the Russell Family Medical Center. Russell Family Medical Center and its pediatric staff took an active role by actively signing up children and encouraging literacy; by doing so, the center has played a crucial role in getting books into the hands of young readers. As a result, among the honored guests of the First Lady were Family Medical Center providers, Dr. Holly VonGruenigen and Jessica Miller, CCMA, who were invited to take part in this inspiring occasion in recognition of their role in encouraging reading and the love of books in their pediatric patients.
Family Medical Centers take immense pride in motivating young readers and supporting literacy initiatives. In 2024 alone, we distributed an impressive 21,150 books through the Reach Out and Read® program, serving children across our 33-county service area. Through this program, children from birth through age 12 receive a free, brand-new book at every well-child visit, resulting in a personal library of up to 17 books. We also extend this commitment to expectant mothers, providing books at all women’s care locations to promote the importance of reading even before birth.
We’re thrilled to announce that the Reach Out and Read® program will continue in 2025, ensuring even more children develop a lifelong love for reading!
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is now available in every Kentucky county, offering free books to every child under five in the state. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity — enroll your child today and help them embark on an exciting literary journey. Click here to enroll your child today.