Organizers of Columbiana County’s Imagination Library are hoping Dolly Parton’s planned visit to Ohio will further promote the country music legend’s project that puts books into the hands of young readers all over the nation.

On August 9, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio and Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine will welcome Parton to celebrate the success of her program.

The First Lady will host a luncheon honoring Parton at the Archie Griffin Ballroom in Columbus at noon.

The Imagination Library of Ohio mails kids one, age-appropriate book each month until their 5th birthday.

According to Lisa Wallace, Co-Director of the Brightside Project, the Imagination Library team helps administer the program in Columbiana County, builds local partnerships, and covers half of the cost of the books every month.

The Brightside Project is set up at the Columbiana County Fair Commercial building #7 from August 1 through August 7 to help get children signed up. 

"They are high quality, developmentally appropriate books that are mailed straight from Dollywood into the home," Wallace said, "Reading to a child at a young age, it builds their confidence. They learn to build relationships. They're practicing their listening skills, problem-solving skills..."

All children in Ohio are eligible to be enrolled in the program at no cost to their families.

To register your child, CLICK HERE. 

This month, 327,743 kids are currently enrolled in Ohio's Imagination Library, totaling to 45% of eligible kids between birth and age 5.

https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/