The United Way of South Central Tennessee

From bringing bedtime joy to nurturing lifelong learning, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has a positive impact on families. More than 16,000 children living in Rutherford and Cannon counties receive free books through the program, which is supported by MTE members who contribute to SharingChange. 

The United Way of South Central Tennessee (UWSCT) partners with the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation to administer the program in the two counties. A SharingChange grant helps cover part of the $250,000 annual costs of mailing the books to children from birth to age 5. Children enrolled in the program receive a new, age-appropriate book each month. By the time they celebrate their fifth birthday, most program participants have a library of about 60 books.

“The first book every child receives is ‘The Little Engine That Could,’ and the final one is always ‘Kindergarten, Here I Come!’” said Rachel Hagler, UWSCT’s coordinator of early childhood development. As the mother of boys ages 9 and 5, she has firsthand knowledge of the program’s positive impact on family literacy habits, kindergarten readiness and academic success. 

MTE member Haley Adams of Smyrna says she most appreciates how the program promotes nurturing between parents and their children. 

“As a working mother, I cherish the intentional time we spend together each night reading these books before bed, just like my mom did with me,” she said. 

Learn more: imaginationlibrary.com