Imagination Library of Lane County Expands Access to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for Families in Lane County
A Lane County Imagination Library participant reads their book on the coast.
United Way of Lane County has announced the launch of Imagination Library of Lane County, a new entity – hosted by and housed within United Way of Lane County – to coordinate and expand access to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for families across Lane County.
Imagination Library of Lane County now facilitates Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for families living in most towns and cities across Lane County, including early readers in Eugene, Springfield, and 25 rural communities.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program – created by the late singer/songwriter, actress, and humanitarian, Dolly Parton – that sends free books each month directly to children until their fifth birthday. Books are available in bilingual Spanish/English as well as braille and audio formats. There is no income requirement or registration fee for children and families to participate.
“We are so excited to make Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library available to even more families in our communities – and to make it even easier for families moving within Lane County to stay connected and keep their books coming. Every month, we’re sending new books to over 8,000 children in Lane County. With this new program expansion, our goal is to reach even further so that every child born in our communities has access to books from their very first day.”
A local Imagination Library of Lane County participant reads their first book, “The Little Engine That Could.”
“Until recently, there were five local organizations coordinating Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for families in Eugene, Springfield, and rural Lane County communities, including Eugene Public Library Foundation, Springfield Young Readers, and United Way of Lane County, in partnership with the Early Childhood Hub of Lane County,” explained Alma Fumiko Hesus, President and CEO of United Way of Lane County. “This meant that, when families moved from one area to another within Lane County, they needed to re-register with whichever organization served their municipality.”
“Several months ago, the leaders of these organizations came together to discuss how we could make it even easier for local families,” she continued. “With the launch of Imagination Library of Lane County, we can now reach even more families and ensure that no matter where they move within Lane County, their free books will follow.”
“It has been an honor over the past year to work alongside other Imagination Library program leaders in Lane County to examine how we could better serve ALL of Lane County’s youth. The resulting expanded coverage increases access and simplifies the process for Lane County families while consolidating resources, making it a win-win. I believe Dolly would be very proud of us! ”
Since 2014, thanks to the support of The Dollywood Foundation alongside local nonprofits, foundations, the State of Oregon, and individual donors, over 750,000 books have been sent directly to children across Lane County.
“Every free book that Dolly gave out, and will continue to give through local partners like Imagination Library of Lane County, is proof that her legacy lives on,” remarked Hesus. “In her memory, and with the generous support of local donors in our communities, we will continue to create a better future for every child, family, and community in Lane County.”
Families seeking to sign up their child or children for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library within Lane County can learn more and register at unitedwaylane.org/dpil.