Imagine a world where every child has access to the magic of reading, sparking their imagination and setting them up for a lifetime of learning. This is the reality Loyd J. Bourgeois is helping to create for the children of St. Charles Parish!
This exciting news comes straight from a press release, and it highlights a truly wonderful initiative. Personal injury lawyer Loyd J. Bourgeois has stepped up to fully fund Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, ensuring that every child in St. Charles Parish, from birth to age five, will continue to receive free monthly books.
What does this mean in practice? Well, picture this: each month, a brand-new, age-appropriate book arrives in the mail, completely free of charge, for every child in the program. By the time they 'graduate' at age five, they'll have built their own personal library of up to 60 books! This is a fantastic way to cultivate a lifelong love of reading from the very beginning.
The Imagination Library was first introduced to St. Charles Parish back in 2010 by the United Way of St. Charles. Since then, the program has delivered nearly 239,584 books to local families, and currently has 1,222 children enrolled. Bourgeois’s generous commitment ensures this incredible literacy program will continue to flourish for years to come.
"As a dad, I've seen firsthand how much my own children benefited from receiving Imagination Library books in the mail," shared Loyd J. Bourgeois. "Those books sparked their curiosity and gave us countless moments of reading together as a family. Some of their childhood favorites—ones we read on repeat—came straight from the Imagination Library. It means so much to me to know that this program will continue for every child in St. Charles Parish, giving them and their families the same opportunities to learn, grow, and bond.”
Kacy Kernan, Director of Community Impact at United Way of St. Charles, also expressed her gratitude: "We can’t thank the Loyd J Bourgeois Injury and Accident Lawyer Firm enough for their support of the Imagination Library program. Because of their generosity, children in our community will continue to receive the gift of books each month, opening the doors to imagination, learning, and a lifelong love of reading. Their commitment helps us nurture young minds and build a brighter future for every child in St. Charles Parish.”
And this is the part most people miss: early access to books has a profound impact. Studies show it significantly boosts literacy skills, enhances kindergarten readiness, and sets the stage for long-term academic success.
Founded by the legendary Dolly Parton in 1995 in her hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee, the Imagination Library now sends millions of books each month to children across the United States and around the world.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue about the most effective ways to promote early childhood literacy. What do you think? Is this program a worthwhile investment in our children's futures? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
