"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." – Frederick Douglass.  As we celebrate National Reading Month, these words remind us of the transformative power of literacy. For the past 10 years, BASIC's Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) has embodied this spirit, serving as a beacon of hope for early literacy in Borrego Springs. Your unwavering generosity and the dedication of our community have brought high-quality books into the hands of our youngest learners, sparking a lifelong love of reading and creating opportunities for a brighter future.

Here in San Diego County, BASIC's DPIL program has been a pioneering force. Until a few years ago, ours was the only DPIL in the entire county. Since then, other county communities have joined this amazing program, including San Diego, Julian, and possibly National City. Yes, DPIL was in Borrego even before San Diego, which now hosts over 1,300 kids annually. 

As of March 2025, 89 children are currently enrolled in BASIC’s DPIL program, thanks to the generosity of our donors and the support of our state. Nationally, the average for DPIL is one subscription for every seven children (1:7). However, BASIC stands out with an impressive ratio of two subscriptions for every two children (1:2)—a testament to our community’s unwavering engagement and dedication to fostering early literacy.

Since July 2023, the state of California now covers half of our monthly bills, thanks to Bill 1183, which passed in 2022 with overwhelming support. This landmark legislation established the Statewide Imagination Library Program, committing matching funds to support the 2.3 million children across California. With such backing, BASIC has been able to broaden its impact significantly.

To further ensure equitable access, DPIL began offering bilingual (English/Spanish) books as an option for families on June 10, 2024. Parents now have the choice between all-English or bilingual books for their children, and an overwhelming 2:1 majority of our parents prefer bilingual books. This thoughtful initiative exemplifies our commitment to serving every family in Borrego Springs, especially our Spanish-speaking community, by building in-home libraries and promoting a love for reading.

This dedication to fostering literacy is evident in the milestones that have been achieved locally over the years. Since DPIL’s inception in 2015, BASIC has supported 239 children and delivered over 5,243 books to date—enough to stretch over 437 feet when placed end-to-end, surpassing the length of Borrego’s iconic Serpent Sculpture at Galleta Meadows – now that’s impressive! Through hard work, perseverance, and community support, BASIC has invested over $11,000 in DPIL right here in Borrego Springs. To break it down, each child’s yearly subscription costs approximately $32.10, totaling around 340 child-years of support for our little Borregans.

Behind these numbers are inspiring stories like that of baby Dylan. His mom, Leyssa, shared how the books provided by DPIL ignited his imagination and fueled his deep love for reading—especially books about dinosaurs and his favorite character, Godzilla. Today, Dylan continues his literacy journey through the Latino Family Literacy Project, where every child aged 0-5 is also enrolled in the DPIL program, building in-home libraries and fostering early literacy in Borrego.

Dylan's story is just one of many, as countless children find their imaginations ignited and their love for reading sparked by the thoughtfully curated titles provided by DPIL. These books, carefully selected to suit each child's age and developmental stage, begin with the inspiring classic "The Little Engine That Could."  This book holds profound significance for Dolly Parton, as its message of perseverance and determination resonated deeply with her own journey. Growing up in East Tennessee, Dolly often saw herself as the "Little Engine," motivated by the mantra, "I think I can," to overcome challenges and chase her dreams. This beloved story, which resonated so deeply with Dolly Parton's own journey, sets the tone for the literacy adventure ahead. As children approach the next chapter of their lives and graduate from the DPIL program at age 5, they receive as their final book "So Now You Are Going to Kindergarten," a book that prepares them for the exciting transition to school. Some other fun and educational titles of the program include Llama Llama Hide & Seek, Cinderella – with Dogs!, and How to Get Your Octopus to School. Each year, about a quarter of the program’s books are updated, ensuring diverse and fresh content for children as they grow.

Can you feel the ripple effect—a single book creating a lifelong reader, a curious learner, and ultimately, a brighter future? In conclusion, let us carry forward this mission with unwavering dedication, supporting and nurturing the next generation of readers and dreamers. Together, we can ensure that every child experiences the joy and wonder that books bring. Let’s hold onto the image of baby Dylan, his eyes lighting up with excitement each time a new book arrived at his home, and remember that same joy is within reach for so many others. The future of our community lies in the hands of these young readers—so let’s continue to provide them with the tools to write not only their own stories but a better story for us all.

Want to learn more about DPIL's incredible impact? Catch the recording of our DPIL webinar on BASIC’s YouTube channel which can be found here: https://www.borregobasic.org/webinar-series.html

Celebrate National Reading Month – Tips for Parents and Community Members 
Looking to spread the joy of reading this month? Here are some fun, impactful ways to make a difference:

• Read Together: Set aside time to read with your children or young relatives. Even 15 minutes a day can foster a love for books!
• Host a Book Exchange: Organize a community event where families can share gently used books to build diverse home libraries.
• Volunteer: Support local literacy programs or libraries by volunteering your time to read to children or assist with events.
• Donate: Sponsor a child’s DPIL subscription for just $32.10 per year and help deliver books to their doorstep. You can donate online at https://www.borregobasic.org/donate.html or mail a check to P.O. Box 1914.
• Spread the Word: Help us ensure no child is left behind! We estimate that approximately 80 more eligible children in Borrego Springs could benefit from this program. Share this opportunity with friends, family, and neighbors so every child can experience the joy of reading. For more info about enrollment please contact (442) 358-6518 or [email protected]

Together, we are turning the page on brighter futures for children in Borrego Springs! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community donors and volunteers, the California State Library, the Dr. Seuss Foundation, San Diego Foundation, Friends of the Library, and Linda Stanley for their continued support and partnership. Your dedication and generosity amplify the impact of this program, ensuring that every child in our community has access to the tools and resources they need to thrive. Thank you for being part of this remarkable 10-year journey!