Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio sets new record

Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine announced new records regarding participation in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio: 60% of Ohio’s eligible children – from birth to age 5 – enrolled in the program in January, which means 400,611 children received the books.

“I’m so thankful to all of our partners in 88 counties for helping us to bring these books to kids, at no cost to their families,” said Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine. “We’ve come so far from the 13 percent enrollment when we started the effort to create a statewide program in 2019. And, of course, I am extremely grateful for Dolly Parton, who has sparked such an amazing opportunity for our little ones to learn before they start kindergarten.”

“Congratulations to First Lady Fran DeWine and to all of our Ohio program partners for reaching these amazing milestones!” Parton said. “Thank you for everything you do to support my Imagination Library and inspire a love of reading in children across the state.”

How many free books have been given to Ohio children?

Additionally, First Lady DeWine announced that more than 15 million Imagination Library books have been mailed to Ohio children since 2019, when Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio was first established. Prior to the statewide program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was available in pockets of the state with only 13% of eligible children enrolled.

What is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?

The Imagination Library is the flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, Dolly’s nonprofit organization founded in 1988. The Imagination Library has become the preeminent, early childhood book-gifting program in five countries. Inspired by her father’s inability to read or write, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and learning by gifting books, free of charge to families.

Caregivers can enroll children under the age of 5 by visiting OhioImaginationLibrary.org.