Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Launches in Ripley County

Friday, September 29, 2023 at 11:39 AM

The program gifts free, high quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five on a monthly basis, regardless of family income.

Shutterstock photo.

(Batesville, Ind.) – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is now being offered in Ripley County.

The program gifts free, high quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five on a monthly basis, regardless of family income.

Dolly’s Imagination Library is being made available throughout the county thanks to a partnership between the Southeastern Indiana YMCA, Ripley County Community Foundation, Batesville Memorial Public Library, Tyson Library, and Osgood & Milan Public Library.

“Literacy builds self-esteem and overall quality of life for all,” says Tara Britton, Chief Executive Officer, Southeastern Indiana YMCA. “That is why it is a primary mission for the youth we serve in our YMCA Learning Center, and we are thrilled to be able to broaden our impact for all young Hoosiers in Ripley County.”

This past May, Governor Eric Holcomb signed legislation that allotted $6 million over the biennium, $2 million in the first year and $4 million in the second year, as part of a community share to expand the program to every zip code in the state.

The Indiana State Library will coordinate the program and provide the state’s match to interested organizations or individuals to become local program partners. Currently in Indiana, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is available in 54 counties and is partially available in eight counties, with expansion plans to fully cover the entire state – all 92 counties. Starting Sept. 1, current local Imagination Library partners will only pay 50% of their local program cost with the remaining 50 percent paid by the state.

“The partnership among the Ripley County organizations making this program possible is a true testament just how marvelous our community is to live in.” says Amy Streator, RCCF Executive Director. This program is supported entirely through community financial support. RCCF is actively seeking donations so that this program can continue in Ripley County for the long term. To provide support visit https://rccfonline.org/donate/ or contact RCCF at (812) 933-1098 or mail a donation to 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville. Anyone can donate.

To learn more, or to register your child for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, visit https://imaginationlibrary.com/.