The Winkler Imagination Library recently received a $2,500 donation from CLAC (Christian Labour Association of Canada).

Imagination Library Organizer Joyce Sawatzky is also a member of the local CLAC union and nominated the non-profit through CLAC's Building Communities program.

"This program supports children's language and literacy and prepares them for school by gifting every child enrolled with a free, age-appropriate book every month from birth until the child turns five," Joyce says. "This donation will help provide more books to children in the program."

Every month, 750 free books are sent to homes in Winkler as part of the Winkler Imagination Library, helping reverse some of the high illiteracy rates in the city.

As a librarian at the Winkler Elementary School, Sawatzky says excitement surrounding literacy has grown since the program began.

The monthly book deliveries help grow children's personal libraries before they enter school.

Sawatzky notes research suggests the earlier children start looking at books, the better their chances of learning to read when they enter school.

The Winkler Imagination Library wait list is currently around three months.

However, costs are on-going to pay for postage for the growing number of book deliveries.