Richter explained that the Dolly Parton Imagination Library provides children from birth to age five with one free book every month delivered directly to their home. The program, created through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, has been available in Whiteside County for years and was recently expanded into Lee County through the efforts of United Way of Lee County.
The expansion came after growing interest from local families who wanted access to the nationally recognized literacy program. Richter shared that the program officially launched in Lee County in November and has already enrolled more than 240 children. In neighboring Ogle County, where the program has been established longer, nearly 900 children are currently participating.
During the conversation, Richter clarified a common misconception about the program’s funding. While the Dolly Parton Foundation handles book selection, shipping, and logistics, each county must have a local nonprofit partner responsible for fundraising and sustaining the program financially. In Lee County, United Way serves as that local partner.
Richter also shared the personal story behind the creation of the program. Dolly Parton launched the initiative in her hometown in Tennessee after witnessing her father struggle with reading and writing throughout his life. That experience inspired Parton to create a program focused on giving children access to books and educational opportunities at an early age.
The discussion highlighted research showing the importance of reading to children from infancy through preschool years. Richter explained that studies connected to the program consistently show children who are regularly read to enter kindergarten with stronger reading readiness, larger vocabularies, and a greater love of learning.
Watts and Richter discussed how many parents underestimate the value of reading to babies and toddlers, even before they can fully understand words or read independently. Richter emphasized that early exposure to books helps children develop language skills, comprehension, and familiarity with storytelling and communication.
The pair also talked about the thoughtful structure of the program itself. Every enrolled child receives “The Little Engine That Could” as their first book and finishes the program at age five with “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come.” Many books include prompts and discussion questions to help parents engage with their children while reading together.
Richter described how receiving books in the mail becomes an exciting monthly experience for children, often creating anticipation around “book day” when a new story arrives addressed specifically to them.
Families interested in enrolling can sign up online through imaginationlibrary.com by selecting their county and entering basic information, including the child’s name, birthdate, and mailing address. Multiple children in the same household can participate, and many of the books differ by age level and year.
The conversation also explored ways community members can support the program financially. Richter noted that it costs approximately $30 per child each year to provide 12 books, making individual donations an accessible way for residents to sponsor local children.
One of the major fundraising events supporting the program is the annual Dolly Stampede in downtown Dixon. The event features participants dressed as Dolly Parton, who take part in themed activities and community events, with registration fees helping fund books for local children.
Richter also previewed upcoming summer “Book Bash” events planned at libraries throughout Lee County, including stops in Dixon, Amboy, Ashton, Franklin Grove, and Paw Paw. The events will include book readings, crafts, and opportunities for families to register children for the program.
Throughout the episode, both Watts and Richter reflected on their own childhood love of reading and the importance of making books accessible for every family, especially those in rural communities where trips to the library may not always be easy.
To learn more about the program or support United Way’s efforts, visit unitedwayofleecounty.org.
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