United Way backing Dolly Parton free book program

United Way of Sandusky County, located in Fremont, announced that it has partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Imagination Library Ohio to provide engaging, high-quality, age-appropriate books to Sandusky County children from birth to age 5.

Children enrolled in the program receive a free book mailed directly to their homes each month until they reach they are 5.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was started in 1995 in Dolly’s home area of Sevier County of Tennessee to inspire a love of books and reading among children. Since its inception, over 200 million books have been put in the hands of children across the globe.

The program expanded to Sandusky County, Ohio, in October 2020 in partnership with the Terra College Foundation.

United Way of Sandusky County took over this partnership in June 2024. Although the program is free to families, there is a local cost to run the program. It takes approximately $2.20 to purchase and mail each book. United Way covers half the cost, and the other half is covered by matching funds from the State of Ohio.

Currently, over 1,700 children are enrolled in Sandusky County, approximately 56% of the eligible children in the county.

“We are working on a partnership with ProMedica Memorial Hospital to enroll children at birth in hopes of reaching more children. The Ohio Governor's Imagination Library was inspired by Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine and together we are committed to improving the lives of Ohio's children by reaching as many children as possible," noted Jill Simpson, CEO and president at United Way of Sandusky County.

According to the Dollywood Foundation, shared reading supports cogitative development, strengthens language skills, develops bonds with caregivers, and increases concentration and discipline.

United Way of Sandusky County is committed to seeing that every child succeeds in school by funding programs promoting early childhood literacy and kindergarten readiness.

“The Dolly Parton Imagination Library aligns with our goals here at United Way and we are excited to be able to continue the program and ensure its ongoing success,” Simpson noted.

Parents or guardians may register their children on-line at www.uwsandco.org or by calling the United Way office at 419-334-8938.

The News-Messenger/News Herald

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: United Way backing Dolly Parton free book program