Kankakee, Illinois – A regional early childhood literacy program is marking a major milestone after delivering more than 11,000 free books to young children across Kankakee and Iroquois counties in its first year.
According to United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties, the local Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library partnership has distributed 11,415 books to more than 1,500 children since launching in April 2025. The program mails free, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth to age five, regardless of income.
Local leaders said the initiative has grown steadily, with 559 children currently enrolled in Iroquois County, including 94 who have “graduated” after turning five. In Kankakee County, 895 children are enrolled, with 50 graduates to date.
The program was developed through the Success By 6 early childhood initiative, a collaboration between United Way and the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley. Organizers spent more than three years preparing to bring the program to the area before its rollout in Iroquois County, followed by expansion into Kankakee County five months later.
Families can enroll children at no cost, and books are available in both English and Spanish. Officials say the goal is to improve early literacy and ensure children enter school ready to learn.
Nationwide, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library distributes more than 2 million books each month through partnerships with local organizations.
Program leaders credited local schools, foundations, businesses, and donors for supporting the initiative’s first year and helping expand access to early learning resources across the region.
