Dolly Parton's Imagination Library launched in 1995 with one focus in mind – to foster a love of reading among children and their families by providing them with the gift of a specially selected book each month. Over fifteen years later, the library that Dolly built has gifted over 174 million books to children around the world. Your local Imagination Library is proud to be a part of these great efforts.
Your local Imagination Library, made up of Rutherford and Cannon counties, builds a foundation for reading and learning for all children from birth to age five in Rutherford and Cannon counties by providing a new, age-appropriate book each month at no cost to the families enrolled. The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties serves as the local sustaining partner of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, in partnership with the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation.
The Goodman family, including their son, Will, have enjoyed their monthly books for the past five years. Will's mom Kelly shares, "We have marked the months of our son's life with these books. Each book held a new season, new characters, new milestones, and as we watched our child grow, so did his collection of books and knowledge. It was a bittersweet day when the last book arrived. Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come is the final book of the Imagination Library program and a fitting reminder that thanks to his strong foundation in reading, he is ready for what this new chapter will bring. "
When asked about Will's favorite book in his collection, Kelly admits that, like most kids his age, Will's favorites have changed over time.
"One of the many wonderful things about the Imagination Library is how the book selections grow with your child. Like the books we received, our son's favorites have evolved over the years, but a few stand out in their longevity as favored stories. The Little Excavator took hold of our son's three-year-old, truck-loving heart and has continued to hold its place in our rotation of beloved books. Baking Day at Grandma's has been another long-standing favorite thanks to its rich illustrations and happy rhythm. As he's gotten older, Violet the Pilot has become well-loved for its emphasis on creativity, ingenuity and sense of adventure."
Will and his family are not the only ones who have enjoyed opening the mailbox to a new book every month. In Rutherford and Cannon counites, your local Imagination Library delivers 17,000 books each month to children aged birth to five.
Your local Imagination Library is powered by supporters like you. By supporting your local Imagination Library, you help guarantee more children across Rutherford and Cannon counties will receive new, high-quality, age-appropriate books and continue the love of reading for generations to come.
Join us in celebrating National Reading Month this March by reading and sharing your favorite books! Share your favorite Imagination Library book this month and tag @UnitedWayRCC in your posts with #RCCImaginationLibrary.