January 2018 E-Newsletter
Big Impact for a Big State

Would you be surprised to learn that $2.5 million in cost savings was realized in FY 2017 delivering high quality, age-appropriate books to tens of thousands of Alaska children? It’s true! Best Beginnings together with its Imagination Library partners all over the state put books in the hands of children under the age of 5 in 107 different Alaska communities. Some 20,000 books were delivered every month at no cost to the families of children enrolled in Imagination Library. The savings is the difference between the cost of books and postage -- $479,365 – and the value of the books -- $3,014,531. Talk about leveraging funds!

And did you know…
  • 2,938 Alaskans accessed resources through the Best Beginnings website
  • 46 presentations were held in support of early learning
  • 159 community volunteers were engaged
  • 85% of parents read more with their children because of Imagination Library in Alaska

Read more about the impact of Best Beginnings and its work in FY 2017.
Pick.Click.Give. for Alaska Children
 
A bright future for Alaska children starts today! When filing for your PFD you can help ensure Alaska families with young children are getting the information, support, and resources they need to help their children begin kindergarten ready to succeed when you Pick.Click.Give. to Best Beginnings and its partner, thread.
Anchorage Imagination Library turns 9!

Thanks to amazing volunteers and the fantastic support of our community, Anchorage Imagination Library is celebrating nine awesome years! Over 715,000 new, age-appropriate books have been put in the hands of children living right here in Anchorage. Plus, we have hosted and participated in countless events that have helped to encourage a love of learning. And what a difference it’s making! Here’s one indicator these books are meaningful to children: 83% of Anchorage Imagination Library parents say their child initiates reading time by bringing a book to them to read.

Happy birthday, Anchorage Imagination Library!
Best Beginnings is a public-private partnership that mobilizes people and resources to ensure all Alaska children begin school ready to succeed.
(907) 297-3300