Imagination Library of Southern Illinois celebrates 100,000 books delivered to local children
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
MARION, Ill., (KBSI) — Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Southern Illinois has reached a major milestone, delivering its 100,000th free book to children across the region. The accomplishment marks significant progress in the program’s mission to promote early literacy and prepare young children for long-term academic success.
The regional affiliate, launched in July 2024, serves an 18-county area and provides high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth to age five at no cost to families. The effort is supported by local donors, businesses, civic organizations and community partners committed to advancing early childhood development.
“This milestone represents more than just numbers — it’s about opportunity,” said Byram Fager, a Read SI member and director of the Southern Illinois Community Foundation. “Each book placed in a child’s hands builds confidence, curiosity and connection. We’re proud of what this community has achieved together to invest in the future of Southern Illinois’ children.”
Dolly Parton founded the Imagination Library in 1995 to inspire a love of reading among preschool-aged children. The program has since grown into a global literacy initiative, distributing more than 300 million books worldwide. The Southern Illinois chapter has already enrolled more than 9,000 children across its service area.
“Early literacy is one of the strongest predictors of later academic success,” said Lori Longueville of the Southern Illinois Coalition for Children and Families.
“When we invest in children’s early years, we invest in stronger schools, stronger families and a stronger community.”
The program’s growth continues to depend on community support. Recent contributions — including a donation from 100 Women Who Care in Jackson and Williamson counties — help sustain enrollment and expand access to new families.
Read SI encourages residents to support the program during Give SI on Dec. 2, 2025, a regional day of giving. Donations are accepted year-round at www.readsi.org.
The Imagination Library of Southern Illinois mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, regardless of income. Its mission is to foster a love of reading, strengthen family connections and promote school readiness across the region.
