Information for Imagination Library Families

January 2024

Imagination Library eNews

Information and resources for Imagination Library families

As of January 2024, 📚 1,119,392 books have been delivered to more than 29,673 children in Erie County.💯💰100% of Imagination Library program funds are raised by support to United Way of Erie County. Learn More and register an Erie County child under the age of 5 in your life: UnitedWayErie.org/Imagination

Do you know someone who may want to register a child for United Way's Imagination Library in Erie County? It's simple! Forward this newsletter or share this link.

Imagination Library Book Spotlight

Ten Ways to Hear Snow

Cathy Camper & Kenard Pak

A snowy day, a trip to Grandma's, time spent cooking with one another, and space to pause and discover the world around you come together in this perfect book for reading and sharing on a cozy winter day. One winter morning, Lina wakes up to silence. Watch the read aloud!

Create a Kid Calendar for the New Year

Kick off the new year with this homemade calendar activity! Either revamp an old calendar or make your own anew.

Materials

Art Supplies
Black Calendar Grid (see directions)
Calendar
Drawing Pad

Get detailed instructions here.

Keep Your Family Going This Month!

Why We Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

In January, we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.-- a great figure of American and Black history. This article explores how families can teach their littles ones about Dr. King and his legacy by suggesting conversation topics, books and movies to engage a young learner. Learn more

Winter-Themed Sensory Activities for Infants and Toddlers

By inviting littles ones to squish, squeeze, and explore a variety of textures, we ignite their curiosity and interest. This article suggests winter-themed sensory activities and how to incorporate the colors and textures of the season. Learn more

12 Tips to Boost Early Literacy

Through the simple act of reading with your child, you are inspiring a love of reading and helping them develop strong early language and literacy skills. Here are 12 early literacy tips to help you and your child get the most out of story time. Learn more

Important Information

On January 6th, visit Barnes & Noble at 1:00 PM in the children's department for Storytime! Visit Erie's Peach Street location for this free, fun event.
Erie County Public Library is on the move this winter! The Bookmobile stops at more than 30 locations throughout Erie County and carries hundreds of books, DVDs, audiobooks, puzzles and more that will appeal to patrons of all ages. Each stop is open to the general public.
Flu season has arrived and can be quite serious, especially for young children. This Flu: A Guide for Parents handout offers guidance and advice on how to best protect little ones from catching the flu this winter.
Grab your family clothes, toys, and books at Erie Free Store, open Mondays 4:30 to 7 p.m.!
Need help finding quality early learning information? Get to know the Early Learning Resource Center - Region 1.
Keep on reading for free , check out your local public library!
Check out Macaroni Kids events calendar.
Great information, resources, reading guides and tips are shared on the Imagination Library for Erie County Facebook page.
FREE support and guidance is available for families with pregnancies, newborns or infants, single parents and young children with special needs by calling 814-451-6700.

Be sure to Like and Follow the page to stay up to date and informed!

Quality Early Care and Education Help is Available!

Erie’s Future Fund wants more children to be prepared for success in kindergarten and life. The Fund provides scholarships to children from low-income families to attend a high-quality early childhood education program within Erie County.

Through the federal Head Start program, Child Development Centers offers a free, full-day preschool program to 3-, 4- and 5-year-old children that includes breakfast, lunch, snack, and transportation at select locations. Families can learn more about the Head Start program by calling 814-480-9505 or beginning their enrollment online at www.cdcenters.org/enroll -now.

If your family resides in Erie County, has an annual income at or below 185 percent of the poverty level and have a child who will be attending kindergarten in one or two years, your child may be eligible for these scholarships! Learn more about quality early care here.

Erie Family Center's Diaper Depot

Thanks to support from United Way of Erie County, the Erie Family Center's Diaper Depot is now countywide and expanding! Be sure to check out the Erie Family Center for complete information on upcoming Diaper Depot distribution events. Learn more

Help is one call away.

Please remember to dial United Way's 211 Helpline when you need help or face times of uncertainty. A trained operator will connect you with information about financial assistance, counseling, food/clothing/shelter, health services, substance abuse and much more! It's always free and confidential.

You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211 to be helped by 211.

If you are not receiving books, or have a specific question about the Imagination Library please contact Joanna Peters via email or phone (814) 456-2937 ext. 233.