SALEM, Ohio - The Brightside Project in Salem has announced on Tuesday that it has received a $10,000 grant from the Columbiana County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board for the Imagination Library of Columbiana County.

Launched in 2020 in partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, the program is managed by the Brightside Project. Children enrolled in the program receive a free developmentally appropriate book each month from the time they're born until they turn five years old.

Aside from age, children must live in Columbiana County to be eligible for the program.

"Dolly Parton's Imagination Library provides many benefits to a young child. It improves their reading and language skills, kindergarten readiness and family literacy habits but also supports their social-emotional development and mental health," said Brightside Project Co-Director, Lisa Vittorio.

Parents can enroll their children here. If you enroll before October 1, your child should receive their first book in December. Currently 3,165 out of approximately 4,900 eligible children in the county are enrolled in the program.