For the Rowe family, reading and imagination are an integral part of everyday life. Orin, Kate, Spencer (2), and Donovan (4) have participated in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) for three years, and although they take advantage of Santa Barbara’s wonderful local libraries, Kate believes that it makes a difference that the boys are able to keep the books from the DPIL
With two children, Kate and Orin experience the value of a well curated selection of books; they can tell that “the books seem to be right on developmentally.” Orin hears Donovan “grabbing vocab” from the books that are being read to him and using it in play or in conversation at the dinner table.
Kate, a stay-at-home mother, values having the extra help of someone provide a book. The cost of books can add-up for a family with two young children. The ability to collect a library of books without trimming other parts of their budget it is a big help. Kate sees the gift of books as “better than toys” because the spur on her children’s imagination and reading brings them together as a family.
Recently, Spencer received a Madeline book in the mail; it quickly became one of his favorites. It just so happens, that Kate was cleaning out some old boxes in their garage. As she opened one large box, she happened to find a surprise . . behind dusty decorations was a red-headed Madeline doll that was from her childhood. The doll has now become a fixture at their home. The Madeline doll helped Spencer “make the story come alive,” she at dinner with the family, took trips in the car, and slept beside spencer at night. She even comforted him while he had a broken arm.
The Rowe family is like many families in our community. They want the best for their children and want to spend as much time as a family as they can. Reading has been an essential part of how they are able to bond with one another and it is a gift that they encourage others take advantage of. Kate tells “all of her friends with kids” about the benefit of the program because for them it has been a “wonderful gift.”