“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.” — Dr. Seuss, “I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!”

There’s no question that a book can open so many doors for a child. Early-childhood reading stimulates the imagination, encourages cultural exploration and contributes to better grades. Happy, well-read children indeed help communities to thrive as they later become successful teenagers and adults.

That’s why the Young Professionals Network has selected Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library as its service project for 2013. The project kicks off with a special event at 5 p.m. tonight, May 6, at Missouri Athletic Club West, 1777 Des Peres Road, Town & Country. Learn more and RSVP on Facebook.

The Imagination Library is a non-profit organization that promotes early childhood literacy by providing age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five. Country music star Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library in Tennessee to guarantee low-income children access to books and to inspire families to read to their children. The United Way of Greater St. Louis continues to expand the Imagination Library’s reach by bringing the program to the St. Louis area.

An advocate for literacy programs, YPN has identified three ways members (and their friends and families!) can get involved:

Donate: YPN members can offer solid foundation for reading and learning by providing funds for monthly books. A donation of just $136 will provide 60 books (one per month) to a child for five years, or a donation of just $27 will provide 12 books over the course of a year. Make a donation now!

Volunteer: Reading to children has a positive impact on their development and happiness. You can volunteer to read at participating child centers.

Share: Spread your support of the Imagination Library through your favorite social media channels. YPN will regularly post updates about the project on Facebook and LinkedIn, and we encourage you to share those photos, statuses and donation requests with your friends and colleagues.

We’re excited about the possibilities that the Imagination Library could hold for St. Louis children, and we hope you’ll join us at our kick-off event this evening. We’ll be sharing a lot of information about how to get involved, and we’ll continue to offer information right here on our blog.

Let us know in the comments which books influenced your childhood and teenage years!