Photos

Simone O'Dell with the CCHS Jet Theatrix reads If You Give A Mouse A Cookie during the Imagination Library's third anniversary celebration Saturday. The literacy program serves children from birth to age five, providing free, age-appropriate reading material mailed directly to the child's home. Since the program began in May 2005, 41,514 books have been mailed to county children, and 2,122 children have been served.

Children came to the Imagination Library celebration Saturday dressed as their favorite characters from their books. Molly Cornwell brought her children, from left, Michaila, dressed as Abby Hayes; John David, who was a Jedi Knight; and Melody, portraying Amelia Bedelia. In addition to games, tours of a fire engine, face painting and story time, the event included a character costume contest. The Imagination Library is funded through state and local governments and local organizations and individuals. It costs $28 a year to provide one child with free reading material. Those interested in supporting the program, or in enrolling their child, may contact the Art Circle Library at 484-6790 for more information. Currently, the county has a participation rate of 57 percent.

James Houston, deputy director of the Art Circle Library, left, and Cumberland County Mayor Brock Hill, right, welcome special guests Mary Beth Ikard, from the Governor's Books From Birth Foundation, and Cathy Oaks, president of the Tennessee FCE.

Sunny Day gets his face painted by Margo Brown.

Lt. Fred Sherrill from the Crossville Police Department takes the fingerprint of Zachary Sumrall for the ID-A-Kid program. Also pictured is Deborah Sumrall.

Larry and Jan Robertson sign up children for the literacy program that provides free books to children age birth to 5. James Houston, deputy director of the Art Circle Library, said the Robertsons volunteer their time to maintain the program's database. "If it weren't for them putting the names in and finding children who move, it would be very difficult for us to do this program," he said. Many local organizations also sponsor the Imagination Library program, including local Family and Consumer Education Clubs and the Lake Tansi and Crossville Exchange Clubs.

Alexis Finley, dressed as Fancy Nancy, gets ready to enter the bounce house, donated by RSVP Rentals. Mayfield Dairy also donated ice cream for the children to enjoy.

Luke, Sam (dressed as Barney), Grace (dressed as Laura Ingalls Wilder) and Chris Almonrode enjoyed the Cumberland County Imagination Library third anniversary celebration Saturday.