IMAGINATION LIBRARY OF OREGON CELEBRATES MILESTONE: 4 MILLIONTH BOOK MAILED IN THE STATE (Photo) - 02/26/26

Salem, Oregon — 2/26/2025 — Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Oregon, a leading early literacy nonprofit dedicated to ensuring young children have access to books at home, proudly announced today that it has mailed its 4 millionth book in Oregon, marking a major milestone in its mission to inspire a love of reading.

This accomplishment reflects years of collaboration between community partners, libraries, educators, and advocates who know that early access to books can profoundly shape a child’s future. In May of 2024 the State of Oregon launched the statewide expansion of the Imagination Library, offering matching funds to strengthen the work of local partners and boost both coverage and enrollment. As a result, in April 2025 the program reached full statewide coverage. Now, in 2026, more than one-third of the 4 million books mailed, 1,394,648 in total, have been mailed since the state joined the effort.

“It has been my joy to partner with the Imagination Library to get more books in the hands of kids by hosting read alouds across the state,” said Oregon First Lady, Aimee Kotek Wilson, of the many library events she has participated in to build awareness for this free resource for Oregon families. “Supporting early literacy initiatives like this is an investment in the bright future of our entire state.”

Started in 1995 by Dolly Parton, the Imagination Library was inspired by her father, who could not read or write—and by her belief that if you can read, you can do anything. The program first arrived in Oregon in 2007. It gifts free, high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children and their families from birth to age 5. Research consistently shows that children who grow up with books in the home are more likely to develop critical literacy skills and succeed academically.

“Oregon is choosing to be architects of the future. This achievement represents 4 million opportunities for families to share a story, spark imagination, and build early language and literacy skills,” said House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, who has championed the Imagination Library in the legislature. “Over time, these small, consistent interactions lay the groundwork for kindergarten readiness—and they help our youngest kids fall in love with reading.”

Early literacy remains a pressing issue in Oregon, where many children enter kindergarten without foundational skills. By delivering books directly to families, the Imagination Library of Oregon helps remove barriers related to cost and access, levelling the playing field and empowering families.

“Each book mailed is a reminder to families that they are supported, valued, and equipped to be their child’s first and most important teachers,” said Department of Early Learning and Care Director, Alyssa Chatterjee. “Over time, shared reading moments become routines, and those routines become habits that support school readiness and academic success.”

As the Imagination Library of Oregon looks ahead, the organization remains committed to expanding its reach, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that every child in Oregon has the opportunity to build their own personal library. Currently, 35% of all children under age 5 in the state are already enrolled, in many regions that number is over 50%. With sustained community support and strategic growth, the program will continue building a stronger future—one child, one book, and one personal library at a time.

For more information about the Imagination Library of Oregon or to enroll a child, visit imaginationlibrary.com/oregon.

Largest-Ever Shared Book Reading Study Finds Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Dramatically Improves Early Literacy For Children In The United States (Photo) - 02/10/26

Salem, Oregon — 2/10/2026 New groundbreaking research* - the largest dataset ever conducted on shared book reading - reaffirms that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library significantly strengthens early literacy skills for children in Oregon alongside children across the United States and in four other countries, reinforcing the power of shared reading in the earliest years of life.

The study, authored by Dr. Claire Galea, Head of Research at United Way Australia, analyzed data from more than 86,000 caregivers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland. Results were compared with responses from 18,112 caregivers who were on the program compared to 37,776 whose children were not in the program. 

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, was created over 30 years ago in honor of her father, who could not read or write. The program is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five. Today, the international program mails more than 3 million books each month directly to children’s homes. Every enrolled child receives one book per month from  as early as birth to age five—at no cost to families.

Global Findings

The study found that across all countries evaluated, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is linked to stronger early literacy outcomes and richer reading experiences at home—helping close early literacy gaps by strengthening foundational skills, increasing the frequency of children being read to, and boosting children’s interest and engagement during shared book reading. It also shows the program builds positive family reading habits and traditions, with caregivers more likely to interact in meaningful ways (like talking about pictures and encouraging children to hold the book), reinforcing a warm, consistent home literacy environment that supports children’s learning and long-term success. 

United States Highlights

• Children were 11 times more likely to be interested in books and 15 times more likely to join in during shared reading compared to children not in the program.
   

• Children were nine times more likely to initiate shared reading and nearly three times more likely to demonstrate concepts about print compared to children not in the program.

Oregon Impact

• First Oregon partner launched: 2007
• Current community partners: 50
• Program coverage: statewide
• Children under age 5 currently enrolled: 73,883
• Percentage of children under age 5 reached: 35%

Here in Oregon, the Imagination Library relies on dedicated community partners throughout the state who promote the program, assist families with enrollment, and fundraise to pay for the cost of books and mailing.

Following the statewide expansion of the Imagination Library in May 2024, the State of Oregon, through the Department of Early Learning and Care’s Birth Through Five Literacy Plan, provides a 50% monthly match to community partners to cover half the cost of books and mailing, enabling them to enroll more children.

“When we start children’s love of books early, like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has done, we build a foundation for future strong readers and writers,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “This is a perfect partnership to improve Oregon’s early literacy rates.”

Early literacy not only improves school readiness, it also builds confidence in children as they develop strong language and reading skills that support third-grade reading proficiency, as well as lead to increased graduation rates. Through early exposure to books with parents and caregivers, children learn to communicate effectively, solve problems, and understand the world around them. At the same time, early literacy fosters curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong love of learning, empowering children to grow into capable, independent thinkers who are prepared for future academic and personal success.

“The positive early learning outcomes associated with developing a shared love of reading cannot be overstated,” said Alyssa Chatterjee, Director at the Department of Early Learning and Care. “These research findings confirm what families and caregivers already experience – The DPIL program helps foster family reading traditions and shared experiences that support children in literacy development.”

Presently, the Imagination Library of Oregon reaches about 35% of all children under age five in the state. While this represents meaningful progress and the impact of strong local partnerships, it also highlights the opportunity to do more. By increasing enrollment, we can ensure more families are supported, more children are prepared for school, and more communities are strengthened through the power of early literacy.

To learn more about the Imagination Library of Oregon or to enroll a child visit imaginationlibrary.com

About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is the world’s leading early childhood book-gifting program, having gifted more than 300 million books across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland. The program is funded through a partnership between The Dollywood Foundation and hundreds of local community partners.

Visit imaginationlibrary.com for more information.

*Galea, Claire Melanie Anita (2025). The Impact of shared book reading on children and their Families: insights from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Macquarie University.

Thesis. https://doi.org/10.25949/30123745.v1

Oregon's First Lady Joins Community Reading Celebration At Multnomah County Central Library (Photo) - 02/05/26

Portland, OR – Multnomah County Central Library, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, and Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Oregon welcomed Oregon's First Lady for an heart-warming community reading event celebrating early childhood literacy on February 5th, 2026. Families gathered for an engaging morning of storytelling to hear "Ten Ways to Hear Snow," written by acclaimed Portland author Cathy Camper and illustrated by Kenard Pak, with enthusiastic young listeners

“It’s so special to gather with children and families to share stories,” said First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson. “Programs like Dolly Parton's Imagination Library remind us that when we put books directly into children's hands, we're giving them tools to become the informed, confident and compassionate Oregonians of tomorrow.”

The Imagination Library program delivers carefully selected, age-appropriate books at no cost to enrolled children from birth through age five, now reaching families in every Oregon county and zip code. The morning included a greeting from the First Lady, an interactive story session, special presentation from author Cathy Camper about her book, songs and crafts, along with opportunities for families to learn about enrolling their children in the complimentary book program.

"Multnomah County Library is thrilled to partner with the First Lady, United Way, and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Oregon to celebrate the joy of reading and the importance of early literacy," said Annie Lewis, Multnomah County Director of Libraries." Hosting this event with a beloved Portland author makes it even more special, showcasing the incredible literary talent in our own community while connecting families to resources that strengthen the foundation for lifelong learning."

"United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is proud to serve as one of the Local Program Partners for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Multnomah County," said Kelly O’Lague, President and CEO, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. "Early literacy is a critical building block for children's success, and this program removes barriers by delivering free, high-quality books directly to families' homes. Events like this remind us of the magic that happens when we invest in our youngest learners."

"As a Portland author, I'm deeply honored to be part of this celebration of early literacy and the Imagination Library's incredible work in our community," said Cathy Camper. "Books like “Ten Ways to Hear Snow” open windows to new worlds and help children see themselves and others in beautiful, meaningful ways. Seeing the partnership between The Governor’s office, The Imagination Library, local program partners and public libraries, gives me hope for the next generation of readers and storytellers."

"The Imagination Library creates more than book deliveries - it builds precious connections between children and their families around the magic of storytelling”, said Kaylee Chrystal, Community Engagement Coordinator for Imagination Library of Oregon. We're deeply appreciative of the First Lady's participation, United Way's partnership as our Local Program Partner, Multnomah County Library's commitment to literacy, and Cathy Camper's generous spirit in sharing her work with young readers."

The program currently serves more than 73,000 Oregon children - representing approximately 34% of the state's children under five years old -who receive monthly book deliveries through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, in every zip code in Oregon. Families pay nothing for participation, with program expenses supported through collaborative funding from local community partners, The Dollywood Foundation, and the State of Oregon via the Department of Early Learning and Care.

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About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has gifted over 300 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. This is achieved through funding shared by The Dollywood Foundation and Local Community Partners.  The Imagination Library mails more than 3 million high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes each month. Each child enrolled in the program receives one book per month from birth to age five - at no cost to families.  Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More(™).

The program’s impact has been widely researched, and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information, please visit imaginationlibrary.com.