All Marion County children under the age of five are eligible to receive free books through a local organization that is championing a program created by Dolly Parton.
The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County is championing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to provide free, age-appropriate books to registered children across Marion County.
“Marion County children from birth up to their fifth birthday are now eligible to register and receive books,” according to a statement from ELCMC.
According to DPIL, local affiliates are responsible for enrolling children who live within the geographical area and for promoting their local programs online and at events.
Additionally, ELCMC will be responsible for securing funds to cover 100% of the costs for the books.
“While the Imagination Library negotiates wholesale pricing for the books, the Local Affiliates and Partners are responsible for securing funds to cover that cost,” reads a statement from DPIL. “Books are 100% free to enrolled children because their local affiliate has secured funds to cover the cost of the books and the shipping fees.”
Since announcing the new program locally, ELCMC says that it has received an “overwhelming response” from the community.
“Thank you for your interest in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. We appreciate your patience as we work through processing all registrations. This program has received an overwhelming response in our community and we are excited to welcome your child to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library family!” reads a statement posted to ELCMC’s website.
To register a child to receive free books through the program, visit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for Marion County.
Founded in 1995 in Sevier County, Tennessee, Parton created the organization to benefit the children in her home county.
The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, which provides children and families in the community with access to early learning programs, now joins over 2,700 other organizations offering the program across the country. The groupÂ
In February, DPIL says its partners gifted 2,903,939 books to young children. Since its inception, the organization says its partners have gifted approximately 232,742,833 books to young children.
For more information on the local non-profit championing this cause, visit the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, Inc. online or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.