June is a special month for families.

As we celebrate Father’s Day and recognize the role fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers and positive male role models play in shaping the next generation, it is also an important reminder of one of the most meaningful things adults can do with a child: read together.

Recently, I attended Dolly Days hosted by the United Way of Lewis County and the Lewis County Rotary Foundation, helping raise awareness and money for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and early childhood literacy efforts throughout Washington state. The event celebrated more than books. It celebrated stronger families, stronger communities and brighter futures for children.

As a father, I understand how meaningful those moments can be sitting down at the end of a busy day to read a bedtime story, helping a child sound out words for the first time or watching their imagination come alive page by page. Those moments create memories that last a lifetime. They also help children develop the language, literacy and communication skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

That is one reason I proudly co-sponsored and passed House Bill 2068 in 2022, which established and expanded the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program in Washington. The program provides free, age-appropriate books every month to children from birth to age 5, regardless of family income.

The concept behind the program is simple but powerful.

Books are mailed directly to children’s homes each month, helping families build home libraries and encouraging parents and caregivers to spend time reading together. Since its creation by Dolly Parton in 1995, the program has expanded internationally and now serves millions of children. In Washington, participation continues to grow because communities recognize the long-term value of early literacy.

Research consistently shows that reading early matters. Studies have found that children who are regularly read to before kindergarten are significantly more likely to develop strong vocabulary, communication and literacy skills. According to child development experts, nearly 90 percent of brain development occurs before age 5, making those early years critically important for cognitive and emotional growth.

Children exposed to books and reading at an early age are more likely to enter kindergarten prepared to learn. They are also more likely to perform better academically later in life. Reading together strengthens attention span, improves listening skills, encourages curiosity and helps children develop empathy and creativity.

Just as importantly, reading together strengthens families.

In today’s busy world, families are constantly competing with screens, schedules and distractions. Setting aside even a few minutes each evening to read together creates valuable opportunities for connection and conversation. For fathers especially, reading with children helps build trust, communication and emotional bonds that can positively shape a child’s development for years to come.

That is why Father’s Day is such an appropriate time to talk about literacy and early learning. Being a father is about more than providing financially. It is also about being present, engaged and involved in a child’s life. Reading together is one of the simplest and most effective ways to do that.

Unfortunately, the majority in the Legislature failed to support the program. But the good news is local partnerships like the United Way of Lewis County, Centralia Rotary, Chehalis Rotary and Twin City Rotary are stepping up. Thanks to local supporters and sponsors, the program is still delivering local results for our children and families.

Supporting literacy is also important for our long-term economic future. Children who develop strong reading and communication skills early are better prepared for future education, workforce training and career opportunities. Early learning is not only an educational issue. It is also a workforce development issue, a family issue, and a community issue.

I encourage our community to join the Imagination Library.

Only $30 per year will put books in the hands of a child for a whole year; and only $150 will make sure that children have a book every month from birth until they go to kindergarten. It is an amazing investment, and you can invest generally or enroll a child or family in the program at lewiscountyuw.com. 

As we celebrate Father’s Day in June, take time to read with the children. It does not require expensive technology or complicated programs.

Sometimes the most meaningful investment we can make is simply sitting down together with a good book.

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Commentary by state Rep. Peter Abbarno for the Chronicle

Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, represents the 20th Legislative District and is the House Republican Caucus chair.