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1 MILLIONTH book coming to a shelf near YOU!
Countdown to 1M...December 2022
September 2022
Imagination Library eNews
Information and resources for Imagination Library families
As of August 2022, 📚 979,728 books have been delivered to more than 27,013 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.
Readiness: Not a State of Knowledge, but a State of Mind
What is school readiness? Many believed it was knowing your letters, numbers and colors. New brain research is helping everyone understand what readiness is--a healthy state of mind. Learn more
School Vaccination Requirements
This handy guide will help ensure your student has the right vaccines in time to start kindergarten this fall!

  • Four doses of tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis
  • Four doses of polio
  • Two doses of measles, mumps and rebella
  • Three doses of hepatitus B
  • Two doses of varicella (chickenpox) or evidence of immunity
Imagination Library Book Spotlight
Hugo and the Impossible Thing
Chris Gabriel and Renee Felice Smith

Hugo has one goal--to conquer the Impossible Thing.

At the edge of the forest stood the Impossible Thing.

All the animals in the forest often wondered what was beyond the Impossible Thing, but since everyone said getting through it would be impossible, no animal ever tried.

Until a brave little dog named Hugo decides he just might be up to the challenge.

With determination and some unexpected help from his friends, Hugo learns that what may seem impossible might just be possible after all. Watch the read aloud!
Keep Your Family Going This Month!
How to Prepare Your Child for a New School
Our friends at PBS Parents share 10 ways to help you and your make the school transition a good one. Learn more

Tips for Reading Together
Our friends at Sesame Street in Communities share strategies to ensure you and your little one get the most out of reading together. Learn more

Listen, Talk, Answer--Support Your Child's Learning
Our friends over at the National Association for the Education of Young Children share how important it is for adults to listen when their little ones are sharing information with them. This article shares communication tips and examples of what you can say to keep those interactions going. Learn more
Check out United Way's Raising Readers calendar for FREE community and online offerings!

Take a moment to plan which events may fit into your family schedule.
School Attendance
Did you know good attendance in Preschool and Kindergarten can help your child be prepared to become a reader in Kindergarten and First Grade?

This parent resource from Attendance Works details habits to start now with your child that will set them on a path to success and attendance in school!
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
Important Information
Join our K Ready Erie community!
United Way has launched a Facebook group dedicated to informing Imagination Library and Raising Readers families about free resources and events in Erie County that will have your child ready for each school year! K Ready Erie
Stay Connected!
Family fun activities across Erie County can be found here.

Great information, resources, reading guides and tips are shared on the Imagination Library for Erie County Facebook page.

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