Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Fostering Early Literacy in Alliance, Ohio
Every child deserves the opportunity to develop a love for reading from the very beginning. That’s why, at ECEA, we are proud to collaborate with Rodman Public Library and the Greater Alliance Foundation to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to families in the 44601 zip code.
What Is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a free, international program that mails high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth until their fifth birthday. Since its inception in 1995, the program has distributed over 100 million books worldwide, fostering early literacy and a love for reading among young children.
How It Works in Alliance
Through our local partnership, children residing in the 44601 zip code are eligible to receive one free book each month. The process is simple:
Eligibility: Children from birth to age 5 who live in the 44601 zip code.
Registration: Parents or guardians can register online or in person at any Rodman Public Library location.
Receiving Books: Once registered, children will begin receiving books by mail, with delivery typically taking six to nine weeks for the first book.
Why It Matters
Research shows that a child’s brain develops rapidly in the first 5 years, and early exposure to books can significantly enhance language skills, cognitive development, and school readiness. By providing free books directly to homes, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library ensures that all children, regardless of background, have access to the resources that support their growth and learning.
Get Involved
If you're a parent or guardian in the 44601 area, we encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. To register your child or learn more about the program, please visit the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library registration page or contact Rodman Public Library at (330) 821-2665, ext. 223.
Together, we can help ignite a lifelong passion for reading and learning in every child in Alliance.
Inspiring a Love for Reading
Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, ECEA helps children in Alliance build a lifelong love of books—one story at a time. Each month, families receive a free, age-appropriate book delivered right to their home, fostering early literacy and joyful reading moments between parents and children. Together, we’re helping young minds grow through the power of imagination.
ECEA was grateful for the opportunity to meet with Ohio’s First Lady Fran DeWine and Kristy Amy who is the Director of Community Outreach for the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library to discuss the importance of literacy and quality early experiences. We met at the Stark County Library’s kickoff event for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, as they are also literacy partners in this valuable program. The state of Ohio, through the Governor’s and First Lady’s advocacy, aims to bring support for this program in every county of Ohio because research shows that 80% of the brain develops in the first three years of life and 90% of the brain develops by age 5. Read. Read. Read to children. The number of words children hear and the conversations you have with them are critical to their development.
