Community
Illinois Literacy Day: Dolly Parton Program Helps Donate 8K Books
Chicago, IL – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is helping put thousands of books into the hands of Illinois children as part of a statewide literacy effort reaching YMCA programs across the state.
By Erin Vale · 2026-10-01T17:16:02.617Z
Chicago, IL – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is helping put thousands of books into the hands of Illinois children as part of a statewide literacy effort reaching YMCA programs across the state.
According to an announcement from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office , more than 8,000 books are being distributed through 118 early childhood and afterschool program sites operated in partnership with 22 YMCAs for Illinois Literacy Day.
The books were donated by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library , Bernie’s Book Bank, Simon & Schuster and individual supporters who contributed through online wish lists.
The statewide Day of Service also includes volunteer readers and family focused literacy activities in communities including Chicago, Springfield and Champaign.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is known for providing books to young children to encourage early reading at home. In Illinois, the program joined several organizations contributing books for the Literacy Day initiative.
Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias said the effort is aimed at expanding access to books and helping families develop strong reading habits.
The campaign builds on a smaller literacy event held in March, when more than 2,000 children’s books were distributed through YMCA locations in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
This time, organizers expanded the effort statewide. The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago said children and families in its programs are receiving another 1,600 books , while Springfield sites are receiving 800. More than 400 books are being distributed in Champaign.
Organizers said they hope the partnership will lead to additional literacy programs and volunteer opportunities across Illinois in the years ahead.