Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Launches in Coles and Cumberland Counties with Support from RK Foundation
- Cassie Yoder
- May 29
- 2 min read
Free Monthly Books for Children Ages 0–5 Now Available
We’re proud to share that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library—one of the world’s most beloved early literacy initiatives—is now officially available to families in Coles and Cumberland counties. Thanks to the generosity of Rural King and the RK Foundation for Rural America, and in partnership with the Regional Office of Education #11 (ROE #11), children from birth to age five can now receive free, high-quality books delivered right to their mailbox every month.
A Gift That Grows with Every Page
The Imagination Library is more than just a book program—it’s a launchpad for lifelong learning. From board books for babies to colorful stories for preschoolers, each book is carefully selected to be age-appropriate and developmentally beneficial. The best part? There’s absolutely no cost to families.
“At the RK Foundation, education is one of our core pillars,” said Amy Shafer, Director of the RK Foundation for Rural America. “Expanding the Imagination Library into Coles and Cumberland counties reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting early childhood literacy throughout ROE #11’s entire service area.”
Why It Matters
Research shows that reading to young children significantly supports brain development, enhances vocabulary, and sets the stage for academic success. Dr. Kyle Thompson, Regional Superintendent of ROE #11, emphasized the program's long-term value: “This program is a gift to our children and families. Reading to young children has lasting impacts on brain development, vocabulary, and school readiness.”
How to Register
Parents and caregivers in Coles and Cumberland counties can register their children now by visiting imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability. After registering, families can expect their first book to arrive within 8–10 weeks.
About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Since 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has delivered over 250 million books to children across five countries. As the flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, the initiative now mails over 3 million books each month. Dolly’s dream was simple yet powerful: to help every child grow up with the magic of books and to “Dream More, Learn More, Care More, and Be More™.”
At the RK Foundation, we’re honored to help make that dream a reality for more families here in Central Illinois. With the continued support of our community partners, we look forward to watching this program flourish—one book, one child, one story at a time.
