(Atlantic, Iowa) – Representatives of the Cass County Library Association, comprised of the head librarians from each of the libraries in the County, provided an annual report to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday morning, and made their traditional, annual request for funding. Sara Young, Head Librarian at the Anita Public Library, thanked the board for its continued support for the libraries.

As part of their early childhood literacy efforts, the library directors came up with a plan to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to all Cass County residents.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library partners with local affiliates to provide high quality, age appropriate books to children across the United States and beyond. Cass County is now one of 22 counties in Iowa that offers the program. Any child under 4 1/2-years old who lives in Cass County can register to receive a free book a month until their 5th birthday. Young said there are currently 178 children enrolled in the program.

With regard to funding, the directors requested: A $5,000 increase from the County for the Atlantic and Cumberland Public Libraries; $2,500 for the Anita and Griswold Public Libraries; a $1,000 increase for the Lewis and Massena Public Libraries. The request was taken under advisement and will be acted on when the Board meets in early 2022 to determine where county funds will be spent.