Literacy program opens to all children from birth until age 5 in Sutter County

Dolly Parton started a program in 1995 for children under age 5 to receive free books in Sevier County, Tennessee, where she grew up. That program has quickly grown and spread to other counties, states and countries over the last 23 years.

Last year, Sutter County Children & Families partnered with the Friends of the Sutter County Library Foundation to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Sutter County families living in rural areas only, according to a press release.

The organizations now serves all children in Sutter County, regardless of living in an incorporated or rural community.

The program provides children, birth to age 5, with a free book every month until their fifth birthday, according to a press release from the Sutter County Children & Families commission. The 60 volume set of book starts with “The Little Engine that Could.”

“Studies prove that reading to infants and babies boosts their brain power and creates a firm foundation for lifelong literacy,” said Michele Blake, executive director of the Sutter County Children & Families Commission.

“This partnership is just one of the ways our organization is building a stronger, smarter, healthier Sutter County, one child at a time,” she said.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library currently provides free books to more than 17,000 California families each month and a total of 13.1 million books were gifted in 2017, according to the press release.

For more information, call the Sutter County Children & Families Commission at 822-7505. Keller allegedly grabbed her from behind and dragged her behind bushes. The woman was able to fight herself free and flag down a passing motorist for help.

Blood on the woman’s shirt was submitted to the state Department of Justice and in December, it came back with a match to Keller, according to court documents. The victim, who suffered minor injuries in the struggle, believed Keller intended to sexually assault her, court documents state.

Keller pleaded no contest to assault with intent to commit mayhem or a sex offense and violation of probation. He is scheduled for sentencing Sept. 28. He was originally charged with kidnapping, kidnapping with intent to commit rape, and assault with intent to commit mayhem or a sex offense. Business hours: Monday-friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Main number .................... Steve Miller ...................... Andrew Cummins .............

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