May 2021
Imagination Library eNews
Information and resources for Imagination Library families
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As of May 2021, 📚 837,477 books have been delivered to 24,748 children in Erie County.💯💰100% of Imagination Library program funds are raised by support to United Way of Erie County. Learn More and register an Erie County child under the age of 5 in your life: UnitedWayErie.org/Imagination
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Do you know someone who may want to register a child for United Way's Imagination Library in Erie County?
It's simple! Forward this newsletter or share this link.
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It's Kindergarten Registration Time! |
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Mayor Joe Schember and Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper are back in the classroom at Harding Elementary to share an important message with all of you!
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Creating Routines for Love and Learning |
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Routines provide the two key ingredients necessary for learning: relationships and repetition. While we play a part in creating routines in our children’s lives, we may not fully realize the role they play in young children’s development.
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Erie's Future Fund Scholarships Available |
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Did you know United Way supports Erie's Future Fund Scholarships? Administered by our friends at Early Connections, Erie’s Future Fund financially assists families in preparing their children for kindergarten by providing a scholarship to attend quality programs throughout Erie County.
If your child has up to two years before they enter kindergarten and qualifies for the Erie’s Future Fund scholarship, they will be able to attend an approved high-quality Early Childhood Education Program for 3 full days or 5 half-days a week! Learn more at EriesFutureFund.org or contact Kim Beers, Scholarship Director at (814) 874-0144 ext. 15. Quality early care and education help is available. Learn more
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Imagination Library Book Spotlight: Sleep Tight Very Hungry Caterpillar |
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Join The Very Hungry Caterpillar and all his friends in this lift-the-flap board book perfect for bedtime! Can you find the animals who need to go to sleep?
With a lift-the-flap surprise on every spread, this sturdy casebound board book is a perfect bedtime read. This original story invites readers to guess who’s getting ready for bed. Who’s that hiding on the very last page? Could it be everyone’s favorite caterpillar . . . ?
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Accompanying Activity for this Book: Eric Carle Tissue Paper Prints |
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Allow your little one to channel their inner Eric Carle with this fun activity! Learn how the famous author paints on tissue and then try it on your own!
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Erie Family Center's Diaper Depot |
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Thanks to support from United Way of Erie County, the Erie Family Center's Diaper Depot is now countywide and expanding! Be sure to check out the Erie Family Center for complete information on upcoming Diaper Depot distribution events. Learn more
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Reading Across Erie County |
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With spring here, we finally have the chance to get back outside and enjoy the magnificent sun rays!
As you may already know, Imagination Library books are funded 100% locally! We at United Way Erie challenge you and your family to take your locally funded books to your favorite outdoor reading spots.
This month, we checked out Washington Park, located between 24th street and Raspberry. With the blooming trees, the shade from the gazebo and loads of green space, your little ones may have a NEW favorite reading spot after visiting this one!
Where will your Imagination Library books take you? Share with us on Facebook with the hashtag #ReadAcrossErieCounty!
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Make a Bedtime Routine Book
Routines help children know what to expect and what is expected of them, which is why they help children feel more secure and comfortable. If going to bed is difficult for your child, creating a routine together and making a "My Bedtime Routine" book can help give them some control over the situation. Learn more
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Playlist of Eric Carle books brought to life
Explore the world of Eric Carle and watch his books come to life with this YouTube playlist. Learn more
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Stay hydrated this summer and drink water! |
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In child care, children are given water because it doesn't have any added sugars or caffeine like other drinks for little ones. Teach your family to love water with these helpful worksheets from the USDA! Available in both Spanish and English.
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Penelec Read Aloud Series |
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This February, Erie's Imagination Library started publishing a series of read alouds recorded by our friends over at Penelec. Books were chosen with diverse subjects to be representative and relevant for children throughout Erie County.
This series is available as a playlist on our Facebook page. We encourage you to listen along with your family and discuss the key takeaways that each story presents!
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Macaroni Kid: 10 Ways to Get Outdoors With Your Kids |
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We're cruising through spring season and it's getting warmer outside! Our friends over at Macaroni Kid Erie put together 10 ideas for you and your family to get outside and explore. What will you and your little ones discover?
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Imagination Library Celebrates Diversity |
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According to Little Free Library's Read in Color initiative, less than 25% of children’s books depict non-white characters. We created a booklist to showcase these stories and increase awareness around diversity. By doing so, we can teach future generations to be inclusive of everyone's identity despite their differences.
Read in Color works to showcase books that ensure ALL children can find themselves in the stories they read and amplify their voices.
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Power Kids: Pennsylvania's Electronic Library |
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We're always searching for extra resources that keep us learning and having fun! Through this interactive library, families can discover together new languages, different cultures, history, online safety and much more.
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Upcoming Free Events & Storytimes |
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While staying home, tune into these FREE community and online offerings
Along the Garden Path Tours at Goodell Gardens
Take a trip to Edinboro and join a guided garden tour on Saturday and Sundays from May 1 to July 31 at Goodell Gardens! Tea is provided for all participants.
Cinco De Mayo
Celebrate May 5 by learning the history behind the holiday and tasting some delicious Mexican treats. Read more
PA Frog Frenzy
Discover PA native frogs with a Presque Isle Park Naturalist for this virtual event on Friday, May 14 from 1 to 2PM. Register by May 12. Register here
International Nurses Day
Have any nurses in the family? Have a nurse who makes your appointments easier? Don't forget to say thanks on Wednesday, May 12!
Storytime with Erie County Public Library
Tune in for a virtual story time/sing along every Wednesday on Facebook Live from 10AM to 10:30AM! Learn more
ExpERIEnce My Home
ExpERIEnce My Home is a new video series created by our friends at the expERIEnce Children's Museum. Check their Youtube channel every Wednesday and Saturday morning at 9AM to meet the newest Erie County family and learn about their culture! Learn more
Read to a Therapy Dog
Join this fun read aloud as Erie County Library reads to a therapy dog! This virtual event takes place on Tuesday, May 18 from 5 to 5:30 PM. Registration required. Learn more
Introduction to Geocaching
Discover the world of geocaching and join an endless treasure hunt! A Presque Isle Educator will lead this virtual event on Sunday, May 23 from 10 to 11AM. Register by May 19. Learn more
Drop in and Discover at Asbury Woods
Looking for something wild to do? Nature comes alive Saturday mornings at Asbury Woods. Stop in each week for a new hands on, minds on, staff facilitated educational activity that are free and open to the public. Each week offers a new experience to discover. Pre-registration required. Learn more
Free At-Home Fun: Sunday Craft with the Erie Art Museum
Enjoy a free craft every Sunday with the Erie Art Museum. Learn more
Curbside Pickup at Erie County Public Library Branches
Don't forget! ECPL has free curbside pickup for books! Reserve your books through their website. Don't have a library card? Sign up for one using the link! Learn more
Memorial Day
Teach your family about the importance of Memorial Day on May 31 and honor those who have passed during their time in the US Armed Forces. Learn more
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Stay Connected!

Great information, resources, reading guides and tips are shared on the Imagination Library for Erie County Facebook page. Be sure to Like and Follow the page to stay up to date and informed!

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Need help? Don't know where to turn? Just dial United Way's 211 helpline . A trained operator will connect you with information about financial assistance, counseling, food/clothing/shelter, health services, substance abuse and much more! It's always free and confidential. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 to be helped by 211.
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If you are not receiving books, or have a specific question about the Imagination Library please contact Joanna Peters via email or phone (814) 456-2937 ext. 233.
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