Dolly Parton Imagination Library expands Western Pa. footprint

Reading Ready Pittsburgh has a pretty simple goal, according to Executive Director Mary Denison.

“We’re just trying to get as many books to as many kids as we can,” she said.

So it made perfect sense for the regional nonprofit to partner with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which mails free books to children from birth through age 5. Started by the legendary country singer in 1995, the program quickly expanded to an international level by the mid-2000s and has received the Library of Congress’ Literacy Award. As of 2022, the Imagination Library sends more than 2 million books per month to child readers around the globe, according to its website.

In Western Pennsylvania, Denison said the program operates primarily in the Mon Valley. More than 6,000 children in the region are enrolled.

“We typically advertise it through local libraries and child care centers,” she said. “One of the groups that advises us on good areas to expand mentioned they have a lot of kids from Penn Hills they come into contact with.”

That turned out to be good news for Penn Hills Library Executive Director Tina Zins.

“Our community has really let us know that this type of programming, early childhood education, is important to them,” Zins said. “One of our goals through that programming is print motivation — getting children and families excited about books. So a connection with the Imagination Library fits so well, and it gets books directly into the hands of children.”

Reading Ready Pittsburgh also is expanding the program into Port Vue.

“We were already covering two other ZIP codes in the McKeesport area, and Port Vue was this little circle in the middle, so we’ve finally filled it in,” Denison said.

The group also operates more than a dozen “Little Giveaway Libraries,” where children and families can find free books in Homestead, Munhall, Swissvale, West Mifflin and Rankin. For a complete list of locations, see ReadingReadyPittsburgh.org/lgal. They also will open a new free bookstore Feb. 17 at 222 E. Eighth Ave. in Homestead. A soft opening will take place from noon to 3 p.m.

As for the Imagination Library, any eligible family with a child under 5 can enroll, and they will receive a new book each month.

Zins is excited to bring it to Penn Hills Library patrons.

“We’re still talking with Reading Ready about the specifics, but we’re going to let the community know what the program is all about and encourage people to sign up,” she said. “The library is free and the Imagination Library is free. It’s wonderful.”

For more, see ImaginationLibrary.com.