This month, Arkansas Imagination Library is proud to highlight the Baxter County Public Library and its leadership of the Baxter County Early Literacy Project (BCELP)—a collaborative, community-wide effort dedicated to ensuring that every child in Baxter County enters Kindergarten ready to learn.
A United Vision for Literacy
Founded in 2018, BCELP brings together a powerful group of partners: the Baxter County Library and Baxter County Library Foundation; Mountain Home, Cotter, and Norfork School Districts; the Schliemann Center for Women’s Health Education, Arkansas State University Mountain Home, and other local literacy advocates. Their mission? To get books into children’s hands, foster a culture of reading aloud at home, and increase awareness of early literacy standards in Arkansas.
The initiative’s backbone is its partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, providing free books to children from birth to age five.
Lighting a Spark Through Books
One of the most memorable examples of BCELP’s impact comes from their “Read-on-the-Spot” activity. At community events, the library team encourages families to stop and read together—right then and there.
“We see a spark,” said Library Director Kim Crow Sheaner. “Parents realize how captivated their child is by the story, and in that moment, something shifts. That small act of reading together can start a tradition.”
Moments like these show that the impact of a single book—and a few quiet minutes together—can be transformative.
Reaching Families Where They Are
Currently, nearly 6o% of eligible children in Baxter County are enrolled in the Imagination Library, but the library team isn’t stopping there. Their goal this year is to grow that number even further by expanding outreach to daycares and preschools and maintaining a strong presence at local festivals and events.
These outreach efforts are made possible thanks to the community’s overwhelming support. A new annual fundraising campaign launched in the fall received a tremendous response—enough to fund the program for another year and add new children to the mailing list!
Partnering with Schools and the Community
Collaboration has been key to the project’s success. By partnering with public and private schools in the county, BCELP is reaching children earlier than ever before. These partnerships also align with the goals of the LEARNS Act, and the team encourages other organizations to work with their Local LEARNS Lead to build stronger early literacy initiatives.
Looking Ahead
BCELP’s 2025 goal is clear: break through the 65% enrollment ceiling and reach even more young readers. With expanded partnerships, creative outreach, and a continued focus on family reading habits, they’re well on their way.
Get Involved
Want to support early literacy in Baxter County? Spread the word, encourage parents to enroll their children early, and keep cheering on the library’s efforts!
For more information, contact:
Kim Crow Sheaner, Library Director
📧 kim.c@baxlib.org
📞 870-580-0979
Thank you, Baxter County Library and BCELP, for nurturing a love of reading from the very beginning!