COLUMBUS, Ohio -  A reading program backed by an iconic music legend is catching on like wildfire in Ohio with more than half of the eligible children enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Heavily promoted by Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine, state officials say 362,295 children from newborn to five years old will receive a book in the mail this month.

Here in the Valley, 44% of Trumbull County’s eligible children are enrolled, 49% in Trumbull County and 54% in Mahoning County, according to the Governor’s office.

More than 10 million books have been mailed to Ohio children since 2019 when the program was initiated.

The Governor and First Lady worked to expand the program and in late 2020, it became available to all Ohio families in each of Ohio’s 88 counties.

“Research shows these books spark interest in reading and improve kindergarten readiness,” said Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine

The Imagination Library of Ohio has 71 affiliates that administer the program on a county level, cover 50% of the cost of books, and build partnerships throughout the community.

The remaining cost of each book is covered by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, which ensures that the program remains free for all Ohio families.

Through a partnership each Imagination Library book is $2.20. A child enrolled at birth will receive all 60 books in the program until his or her 5th birthday. Books are age-appropriate and mailed to a child’s home every month.

Parents and guardians interested in enrolling their child in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio can visit OhioImaginationLibrary.org.