LANCASTER, Ohio — The Fairfield County Foundation has renewed its commitment to fostering early childhood literacy, awarding the United Way of Fairfield County a $25,000 grant to continue sponsoring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for the 2025–26 fiscal year.
The grant, funded through the George and Dollie L. Zimpfer Memorial Fund, will help cover the wholesale cost of books and rising mailing expenses for the program, which provides free books to children from birth to age 5.
In 2024 alone, the Imagination Library distributed 66,488 books to young Fairfield County residents. So far in 2025, 33,920 more books have been delivered — averaging about 5,559 each month. More than 5,400 local children are currently enrolled, alongside nearly 286,000 across Ohio.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with United Way to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library,” said Amy Eyman, CEO of the Fairfield County Foundation. “The program has been in Fairfield County since 2012, and we are thrilled to help meet the growing demand for this great resource that makes learning affordable for children and families.”
Since its launch, the international program has gifted more than 34.9 million books to children in the United States, encouraging families to read together and helping prepare children for school success.
Melissa Dever, Executive Officer of the United Way of Fairfield County, expressed gratitude for the foundation’s continued support. “We love to see how the library positively impacts families in Fairfield County and helps make early learning more accessible,” she said.
Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that reading with young children strengthens bonds with caregivers, promotes early brain development, and lays the foundation for lifelong learning.
Families interested in enrolling children can visit Ohio Imagination Library or contact the Fairfield County Foundation at 740-654-8451 for more information.
