MARION, Ill. — The power of a good story has reached a remarkable milestone in Southern Illinois. The local chapter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) has officially distributed its 100,000th free book to children across an 18-county region, inspiring a lifelong love of reading and helping prepare young learners for school success.
Since launching in July 2024, the Imagination Library of Southern Illinois has provided high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth to age five—at no cost to families. The program is made possible through the generosity of local donors, businesses, civic organizations, and community partners committed to early literacy and child development.
“This milestone represents more than just numbers—it’s about opportunity,” said Byram Fager, member of Read SI, the regional affiliate and Director of the Southern Illinois Community Foundation. “Each book placed in a child’s hands builds confidence, curiosity, and connection. We’re proud of what this community has achieved together to invest in the future of Southern Illinois’ children.”
The Imagination Library program was founded by Dolly Parton in 1995 to foster a love of reading among preschool children and their families. Today, it has grown into a global initiative, gifting over 300 million books worldwide. Locally, the Southern Illinois affiliate has served more than 9000 children across 18 counties, ensuring access to books regardless of family income or background.
“We know that early literacy is one of the strongest predictors of later academic success,” said Lori Longueville, Southern Illinois Coalition for Children and Families. “When we invest in children’s early years, we invest in stronger schools, stronger families, and a stronger community.”
As the program continues to grow, community support remains vital. Donations like the recent one from 100 Women Who Care in Jackson and Williamson counties help sustain enrollment and expand access to new families, ensuring every child has the opportunity to develop a love of reading from the very start.
Read SI, invites individuals, businesses, schools, and organizations to join the effort to keep books in the hands of young readers. And encourages Southern Illinoisans to designate Read SI as their charity of choice on December 2nd, 2025, as part of Give SI, a regional day of giving. Until that time, contributions can be made at www.readsi.org
About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Southern Illinois
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Southern Illinois mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, regardless of family income. The program’s mission is to foster a love of reading, strengthen family bonds, and promote school readiness across the region. To learn more or to enroll a child, visit www.readsi.org or contact readsi@sicf.org.