By 1812Blockhouse
Richland County’s youngest readers have been benefiting from a remarkable gift—free books delivered straight to their mailboxes each month through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Over the past year, more than 4,100 children between birth and five years old in Richland County have received books, sparking a love of reading early in life.
However, to continue this impactful program, Richland Public Health (RPH) needs help. The cost to keep the Imagination Library running in the county is $130,000 per year, and with enrollment increasing, community support is critical.
Funding the Future of Young Readers
The State of Ohio contributes half of the funding needed—$65,000—but Richland County must cover the remaining half. While some local organizations have stepped up, a funding gap of $42,400 remains for the next program year (April 2025–March 2026).
So far, these contributions have been pledged:
- Richland Public Health: $15,000
- Altrusa: $5,000
- OhioHealth: $2,600
To ensure every eligible child continues receiving books, additional donations are needed.
Why This Program Matters
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio mails one free book each month to children from birth until their 5th birthday, making high-quality reading material accessible to all families. Research has shown that children exposed to books at an early age develop stronger literacy skills, perform better in school, and gain a love for learning.
First Lady Fran DeWine helped establish Ohio’s statewide Imagination Library program in 2019, inspired by her own grandchildren’s experiences with the program. Since its launch in 1995, the Imagination Library has grown into a global initiative, mailing over 2 million books each month to children in five countries.
How You Can Help
Local businesses, organizations, and individuals can play a crucial role in keeping this program alive. Any donation, big or small, contributes to providing books for children in Richland County. Additionally, businesses and organizations that contribute will receive recognition in program marketing, including their logo featured on book mailings and communications.
To learn more or make a financial contribution, visit:
🔗 richlandhealth.org/imagination-library/
For direct inquiries, contact:
📞 Leslie DeShane at 419-774-4726
📧 [email protected]
Donations should be made payable to Richland County Imagination Library.
A Community Commitment to Literacy
By supporting this initiative, Richland County can continue to provide thousands of children with the joy of books and the foundation for a lifelong love of reading. Every contribution makes a difference—because every child deserves a story.
Be sure to turn on the sound!
