{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"June 4, 2026 - Golisano Children's at UK and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library partnership","description":" LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 4, 2026)  \u2013 A new partnership at Golisano Children\u2019s at UK will help put books directly into the hands of Kentucky children and families.  On this episode of Behind the Blue, host Kody Kiser talks with Kelsey Rahenkamp of Golisano Children\u2019s at UK, Lindsey Westerfield of Dolly Parton\u2019s Imagination Library of Kentucky and Dr. Anna Thamann, a neonatal neurologist at UK HealthCare, about the hospital becoming an official enrollment location for Dolly Parton\u2019s Imagination Library.&amp;nbsp;  Through the partnership, families coming through Golisano Children\u2019s at UK can enroll children under age 5 in the program and receive their first book before they leave. Children enrolled in Imagination Library receive a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book in the mail each month until they turn 5, at no cost to families.&amp;nbsp;  Rahenkamp explains that families do not have to be patients to sign up. Patients, siblings, visitors, grandparents and others can enroll eligible children while at the hospital by scanning posted QR codes or visiting the pediatric education center for help with enrollment and to receive the first book.&amp;nbsp;  The episode also explores the broader impact of early literacy. Westerfield discusses the history and statewide reach of Dolly Parton\u2019s Imagination Library, which is now available in every county in Kentucky. She also shares research showing that children enrolled in the program are more likely to be read to regularly and more likely to demonstrate early literacy and kindergarten readiness skills.&amp;nbsp;  Thamann explains what happens in a child\u2019s brain during the first months and years of life, and why reading, talking and shared time with parents and caregivers can support language development, bonding and emotional connection. She describes parents, teachers and caregivers as \u201cbrain changers,\u201d helping shape early development through simple, everyday interactions.&amp;nbsp;  Together, the guests discuss why a children\u2019s hospital is a natural partner for a literacy program and how access to books can support the whole child, from physical health to development, confidence and long-term success.  To learn more about Dolly Parton\u2019s Imagination Library of Kentucky or to enroll a child, visit imaginationlibrary.com.  \u2018Behind the Blue\u2019 is available via a variety of podcast providers, including Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify. Subscribe to receive new episodes each week, featuring UK\u2019s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists, writers and the most important news impacting the university.  \u2018Behind the Blue\u2019 is a production of the University of Kentucky. Transcripts for most episodes are now embedded in the audio file and can be accessed in many podcast apps during playback. Transcripts for older episodes remain available on the show\u2019s&amp;nbsp;blog page.&amp;nbsp;  To discover how the University of Kentucky is advancing our Commonwealth, click here.  This interview has been edited for time and clarity. ","author_name":"Behind the Blue","author_url":"http:\/\/behindtheblue.libsyn.com\/podcast","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/41539265\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/0033a3\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/202628595"}