The United Way of Guernsey, Monroe, and Noble Counties seeks to increase childhood literacy across three counties. Research shows that engaging younger children in positive experiences with books and reading improves their readiness to learn and be successful in school and life. Enrollment in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library builds educational strength in the youngest members of our community with outreach to all children in the 0-5 age group, including special emphasis on reaching children in poverty and those at highest risk of struggling to succeed in school.

An annual cost of $25 per child ensures monthly delivery of free high-quality books and parent guides to the home of every participant from birth through their 5th birthday. The anticipation of receiving each month’s book draws both the parent and child into the joy of reading, supporting a strong bond in the transformational practice of shared learning. Engaging schools and the broader community occurs through focused education and literacy events that promote access to books, a love of reading, and awareness of the individual, generational, and societal benefits of increasing childhood literacy in every home.

Evidence shows that focus on early literacy skills forms the foundation for later academic achievement. Dolly Parton Imagination Library programs provide books to our youngest neighbors from birth to their 5th birthday monthly to make sure all children have access to books through a personal library. The program also provides information to families to make sure their reading time with children is that much more enriching.