Imagination Library marks milestone and expands donations to local nonprofits.

The Imagination Library at Rutland Free Library has mailed 24,072 books and served 1,155 children as it nears its fifth anniversary, and it has begun donating unclaimed returned books to local nonprofits including NewStory Center and Tatum's Totes.

The Imagination Library at Rutland Free Library is marking Library Lovers Month by noting a milestone and broadening how it serves the community. As the program approaches its fifth anniversary, it has mailed 24,072 books and enrolled 1,155 children who live in Rutland City, Rutland Town, Ira, Mendon, and Tinmouth. The program sends one age-appropriate book each month to enrolled children from birth until their fifth birthday. It has also expanded its use of unclaimed returned books by sharing them with local nonprofits. Key details: - The program has mailed 24,072 books and served 1,155 children across Rutland City, Rutland Town, Ira, Mendon, and Tinmouth. - Children enrolled receive one free, age-appropriate book per month from birth until age five. - Donated books are typically unclaimed volumes returned to the library after family address changes. - Nonprofit partners receiving donated books include the Homeless Prevention Center, NewStory Center, and Tatum's Totes. - Local partners report that books provide comforting moments for children and families facing housing instability or entering foster care. Summary: The milestone reflects ongoing reach in early-childhood reading across the Rutland area and the program has broadened its impact by donating returned books to local nonprofits. Plans beyond the expanded partnerships and the approaching fifth anniversary are undetermined at this time.