HELP US Grow Minds One Book at a Time (Please donate)
When you GIVE to the Literacy Coalition of Oswego County, (LCOC), you’re helping literacy services for everyone in our county from preschoolers to retirees.
ONE of the community initiatives your donation will support is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, gifting books to children from birth until their fifth birthday.
Here's what parents are saying about the impact Imagination Library has had on their lives:
- Such an amazing program. I wish it had started sooner in Oswego County so we could have had it longer. My daughter loves getting the books in the mail and then trying to read them to me after I read them to her.
- I wish it lasted longer than up to five years old.
- My daughter has looked forward to me reading her new book to her every month, typically more than once on the first day we receive it. This has been an amazing program that has definitely contributed to the growth of her imagination. Thank you!
- Thank you so much for adding Oswego County! Jack was 2 1/2 when it came to our district, and we were so excited to be a part of this wonderful program.
Won’t you please keep these efforts vital and growing by making a tax-deductible donation to LCOC? We’re partners with the Weston T. Hyde Foundation, a 501( c ) 3 non-profit.
It’s easy! Click here!
If you prefer to send a check, payment should be made out to
“WTHOCEF” and mailed to: WTHOCEF, P.O. Box 3124, Oswego, NY 13126
Thank you for your ongoing support!
LCOC Donates Backpacks and School Supplies to Leighton Elementary Family Literacy Night
Shineman Foundation Awards $63,000 to Imagination Library of Oswego County!
Dolly Parton Receives 2022 Distinguished Service Award
In March, The Board of Directors for the Council of Chief State School Officers awarded Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library with The Distinguished Service Award which is the Council's highest honor. This premier award recognizes individuals whose contributions have given strength to pre-K - 12 public education in the United States, and has been presented for more than 60 years. Executive Director of North America, Nora Briggs, accepted the award on Dolly's behalf.
Meet LCOC Secretary Sabine Ingerson
Where do you work, how long have you been there and what is your job title?
For 20 years I served as the Director of the Oswego County office of ARISE, a Center for Independent Living, supporting individuals with disabilities before retiring in 2018. Some of the programs offered by ARISE include advocacy, recreation, supported employment and independent living skills training. Many individuals served had learning disabilities.
Why did you become involved in LCOC?
I became involved in the Literacy Coalition many years ago to learn what ARISE could do to help improve literacy skills as many individuals we served never had the full support needed to learn to read. As the ability to read is so essential in every day life, I started to collaborate with other agencies especially Literacy Volunteers whose director taught several of the direct support professionals the techniques used by their tutors. The results of the training were amazing. A group of the individuals even started a book club and many found employment.
What are you most proud of as a member of LCOC?
I am proud to be part of an amazing group of dedicated community members who truly care about children and adults. Their love for continued learning and interest in giving everyone a chance to build on their reading skills is essential in making this county a better place for all. The coalition has grown from a group who conducted a few events a year to highlight the importance of literacy to writing a grant that allowed LCOC to bring the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Oswego County. Now in its third year, preschool children enrolled in the program have shown an improvement in Kindergarten readiness skills.
What would you like to see next for LCOC?
The Imagination Library is one of my favorite programs. I would like to see a permanent funding stream to make sure all children can enjoy a book read to them by a loving adult. When my granddaughter was enrolled in this program in Onondaga County she could not wait for the book to arrive and cuddle up with me as we read it. The Imagination Library is just one program to foster literacy. Financial literacy is another area to focus on.
What's the title of the last book you read?
The last book I read was a novel by Mitch Albom “the stranger in the lifeboat”.
What brings you joy?
I find joy in relationships with my wonderful family, friends and also others who care about our community and the world. Growing up my mother and siblings were avid readers and they passed that love onto me. My older brother became a librarian and even now when I talk to him he recommends books to me. Reading a book in the shade of our maple tree with birds chirping and a dog next to me brings me joy and a sense of peace.
Where can you find us?
Visit our website at: https://www.literacycoalitionofoswegocounty.com/
