The kickoff event for the Imagination Library program in Dyer County will be held this Sunday, Oct. 31, at the Dyersburg Mall from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. as part of the mall's annual Trick or Treat event.

Volunteers from the Dyersburg Kiwanis Club, local sponsor of the program, will be on hand to sign up children, answer questions about the program, solicit funds, and make presentations that include a video featuring Dolly Parton. The display will be located in the former Readmore Books store space next to Peebles.

Pre-school children in Dyer County will be eligible to receive a new book each month under the Imagination Library program. The effort is funded in conjunction with the Dollywood Foundation from East Tennessee and the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation in Nashville.

The Imagination Library was started by country music star Dolly Parton in 1996 in her hometown of Sevierville. It has since grown to more than 30 states and nearly 300 communities. The Governor's Books from Birth Foundation is picking up 50 percent of the cost with the Kiwanis Club of Dyersburg supplementing the rest through local fund-raising efforts and the support of the two local school systems.

Children who reside in Dyer County can receive one book each month from birth until age 5 by simply completing a registration form. Forms will be available, beginning Nov. 1, at many local area businesses and agencies such as Dyersburg Regional Medical Center, the Tennessee Department of Human Services, McIver's Grant Public Library, Dyersburg Mall, local children's dental and medical offices, and daycare centers, pre-schools and all local schools.

In order to receive matching funds from the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation, the Dyer County Commission was required to pass a resolution of support, agreeing to maintain a local charity to serve as the funding agent. The commission unanimously passed this resolution at their September meeting, making Dyer County the first in the state to do so.

The Kiwanis Club of Dyersburg's foundation is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization whose focus is on young children. Contributions to the Imagination Library can be made by contacting the Kiwanis Club at P.O. Box 22 or by calling 286-3608.

For more information, contact Joetta Yarbro at the Community Resource Center at 286-3608 or Danny Walden at the Professional Development Center at 286-3611. Additional information can be found at www.imaginationlibrary.com.