Families in Okmulgee and Okfuskee counties now have access to one of the most celebrated early-literacy programs in the world – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This extraordinary initiative mails a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book to enrolled children every month until their 5th birthday, inspiring a lifelong love of reading while helping build the foundation for academic success.

The program, long praised for transforming early literacy across the globe, is now expanding locally thanks to the support of community partners, libraries, and the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness.

— A Gift That Grows with Every Child Each book selected for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is chosen by a nationally recognized panel of early childhood literacy experts. Titles are carefully curated to match the child’s developmental stage – from sturdy board books for babies to beautiful storybooks for preschoolers.

Studies highlighted by the Imagination Library show:

• 90% of brain development occurs before age 5

• Children exposed to books early have significantly higher kindergarten readiness

• At-risk children with quality early-literacy experiences are 25% less likely to drop out of school

• For every dollar invested in early childhood literacy, society sees a 7-10% return in educational, social and economic benefits This program doesn’t just promote reading – it strengthens families, boosts confidence, increases bonding and sets the stage for long-term success.

Dolly Parton created the Imagination Library in honor of her father, who couldn’t read or write, but encouraged her dream. Today, the program delivers more than 3 million books every month across the U.S., Canada, Australia, the U.K. and Ireland.

“Inspiring kids to love to read became my mission,” Dolly says. “Let’s share this dream that all children should grow up in a home full of books.”

— Now Open to All Families in County Local leaders are thrilled to announce that the Imagination Library is now fully available for enrollment across both counties.

“This is one of the most amazing programs ever created,” organizers shared. “Every month, a child receives a book personalized with their name, mailed straight to their home. It’s free, it’s meaningful and it changes lives.”

Parents, grandparents, daycare providers, churches and schools are encouraged to spread the word so every child can benefit.

— Local Contact Information For families in Okmulgee County, these local partners can assist with enrollment and information: Lylah Sparks – East Central Electric lsparks@ecoec.com 918-365-1231 Christie Baldridge – Deep Fork Community Action executivedirector@dfcaf.org 918-756-2826 Kristin Cunningham – Okmulgee Library library@okmcity.net 918-756-1448 A QR code is also available on promotional flyers for quick registration.

Everyone in Okmulgee and Okfuskee counties is encouraged to share this opportunity with:

• Family and friends

• Local churches

• Schools and early learning centers

• Daycares and preschools Every child deserves the magic that comes from being read to, holding their own books, and discovering new stories each month.

— Enroll Today

Registration is fast, simple and completely free. Once enrolled, children begin receiving books within just a few weeks – then one book every month until age five.

Let’s help build a new generation of readers. Let’s fill our homes with books. Let’s give our youngest children the gift of imagination.

For more information, visit ImaginationLibrary.com.