State Fair Partners with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
The Illinois State Fair is partnering with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to promote early childhood literacy and help families learn more about the free book-gifting program.
During the fair, families can attend a daily story time session at 2 p.m. inside the Sensory Station in the Emmerson Building. The air-conditioned space will give children an opportunity to listen to stories and participate in activities before returning to other fair attractions.
“The Illinois State Fair is a place where families create lasting memories and enjoy unforgettable experiences,” said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair manager. “Through this partnership, we’re bringing the power of books to the fairgrounds, giving more children the opportunity to explore the excitement, imagination, and happiness that reading can awaken.”
The story time sessions will also allow parents, grandparents and caregivers to learn more about the Imagination Library’s work supporting literacy, music and creativity.
“We welcome families to enjoy storytime with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and participate in fun, interactive activities that celebrate the joy of reading,” said Andi Drileck, state director of the Imagination Library of Illinois. “Cultavating a love of books at an early age can have a lasting impact on a child’s future. Research shows that children enrolled in the program develop stronger early literacy skills and enter kindergarten better prepared.
We hope our presence at the Illinois State Fair will help more families learn about this opportunity, strengthen community connections, and expand access to these important literacy benefits.”
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails free, age-appropriate books to enrolled children from birth through age 5, regardless of their family’s income.
The program is supported by The Dollywood Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Parton in 1988. Since the Imagination Library launched in 1995, it has grown to distribute more than 3 million books to participating children each month, including children in Illinois.
Families can check whether the program is available in their community, enroll a child or sign up to receive notifications about future availability by visiting the “Find My Program” page at imaginationlibrary.com.
