Story by Ron Fitzwater
It was all smiles and laughter as the old veterans from Imagination Ashe, the Ashe County branch of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program, formally left the program and took the next step into their literary lives.
The veterans, who are aging out of the program at the tender age of five, were entertained, awarded, snacked and then sent to get their very first library card.
Kathy Chefas welcomed the children and their families and briefly spoke of the program, which just recently received their non-profit status and achieved independence.
The children were then amazed and astounded by the magic and humor of Bo-Bo the Clown and his assistant Bo-Bo-ette.
Peggy Bailey, Ashe Library Youth Services Librarian, told the young readers about all of the types of books, tapes and DVDs they could check out with their new library cards.
The children then received medals of achievement for successfully completing the program that has helped hundreds of area children fall in love with reading.
Next came the snacks; cup cakes made special for the occasion and a little time to visit with Bo-Bo and the volunteers who were on hand to support the children.
In 1996, Dolly Parton launched an exciting new .....read full story here:
The Mountain Times - Imagination Ashe Readers Take Next Step in Literary Life
