Read SI seeks community support to sustain Imagination Library amid record enrollment

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARTERVILLE, Ill., (KBSI) — Read SI, the regional affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, is calling on community members, schools and businesses to help sustain the program after a surge in enrollment nearly doubled first-year cost projections.

Since launching locally, the program has provided 65,673 free books to nearly 9,000 children across 18 southern Illinois counties at a cost of $76,979. Read SI has raised just over 30% of its $120,000 fundraising goal and warns that low donation levels may force Franklin and Randolph counties to pause new enrollments as early as next month.

“This program is a lifeline for early literacy, and the overwhelming response from families shows just how vital it is,” said Lori Longueville, a Read SI representative. “But we need the community’s help to keep it going. Every dollar raised directly impacts a child’s future by fostering a love of reading and learning.”

To strengthen its efforts, Read SI is partnering with school districts and early learning programs that commit financial support. Participating districts will be recognized as Early Literacy Champions on Read SI’s website and promotional materials. Districts in Jackson, Johnson and Williamson counties have already pledged support.

The appeal coincides with Imagination Library’s national “9 to 5 Day” on Sept. 5, celebrating the program founded by Dolly Parton in 1995. The initiative has delivered more than 284 million books worldwide to children from birth to age five.

Community members, organizations and businesses can donate at www.readsi.org. Sponsorships cost $16 per child per year. A recurring $16 monthly donation can provide books for 12 children for an entire year.

For partnership opportunities, contact:

Byram Fager, Southern Illinois Community Foundation, (618) 997-3700

Lori Longueville, Southern Illinois Coalition for Children and Families, (618) 924-0504

Andrea Borum, Walker Borum Foundation, aandreaborum11@gmail.com