Ark. Code § 13-2-107

Current with legislation from 2024 Fiscal and Special Sessions.
Section 13-2-107 - Imagination Library of Arkansas Program
(a) There is created the Imagination Library of Arkansas Program.
(b) The Imagination Library of Arkansas Program shall promote the development of a comprehensive statewide initiative for encouraging preschool children to develop a love of reading and learning.
(c)
(1)
(A) The Imagination Library of Arkansas Program Fund shall be used to provide, through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, one (1) age-appropriate book to each registered child from birth to five (5) years of age in each participating county.
(B) The Imagination Library of Arkansas Program shall contribute a fifty percent (50%) match of the funds, if available, required of local programs participating in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
(2) A book shall be sent monthly to the home of each registered child from birth to five (5) years of age in each participating county at no cost to the family of a registered child.
(d) The Department of Education shall partner with a nonprofit entity organized solely to promote and encourage reading in early childhood for the children of Arkansas, including without limitation the Arkansas Imagination Library, to administer the Imagination Library of Arkansas Program, which shall include without limitation the following:
(1) Promoting the statewide development of county-level Dolly Parton's Imagination Library programs;
(2) Advancing and strengthening local Dolly Parton's Imagination Library programs with the goal of increasing family enrollment in those programs;
(3) Recruiting volunteers to assist in the development, promotion, and coordination of the Imagination Library of Arkansas Program;
(4) Soliciting donations, gifts, and other funding to financially support the local Dolly Parton's Imagination Library programs;
(5) Developing community engagement;
(6) Administering the Imagination Library of Arkansas Program's and local programs' dollar matching requirements;
(7) Coordinating the collection and remittance of local program costs for books and mailing; and
(8) Developing statewide marketing and communication plans.

Ark. Code § 13-2-107

Added by Act 2023, No. 640,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.