Service Above Self: Rotary D6670

Free Books, Lifelong Impact: District 6670 & Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio

Episode Summary

In this March episode of Service Above Self, DG Heidi Schiller and DGE Chuck Shonkwiler welcome Catherine Sulecki, State Director of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, to discuss early literacy, kindergarten readiness, and the power of local partnership. Learn how more than 415,000 Ohio children receive free monthly books, how District 6670 is supporting enrollment, and why $155 funds five years of reading for one child. The episode also includes an update on the "8 in 8 Membership Challenge" and momentum heading into the May 1 District Gala.

Episode Notes

Early childhood literacy starts long before kindergarten. In this episode, DG Heidi Schiller and DGE Chuck Shonkwiler welcome Catherine Sulecki, State Director of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, to discuss how free monthly books are strengthening kindergarten readiness across Ohio. Learn how universal enrollment through birth certificates, local nonprofit partnerships, and Rotary District 6670 support are helping more than 415,000 Ohio children build critical reading skills from birth to age five.

Topics Covered:

• The mission and growth of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio
• Why early brain development and shared reading matter before age five
• Why $155 funds five years of books for one child
• How the $2.60 per book funding model keeps the program free to families
• The impact of local community partners in all 88 Ohio counties
• How District 6670 clubs can support literacy locally
• Storybook Trails at Ohio state parks and rest areas

Also in this episode:

• Highlights from the District 6670 Four-Way Test Speech Contest
• The 8 in 8 Membership Challenge across Zones 30 & 31
• A preview of the May 1 District Gala in West Chester