Kankakee, IL – Families in Kankakee County can now sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a free early childhood literacy program that delivers monthly books directly to homes.
According to United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties, the program mails high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth through age five at no cost to families. Nearly 500 children in neighboring Iroquois County are already enrolled, and a waitlist of more than 200 Kankakee County children will now begin receiving books as well.
Books are available in both English and Spanish, and there are no income eligibility requirements. Families can register at myunitedway.org/imagination.
The initiative is made possible through a partnership between United Way, the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, and the Success By 6 early childhood coalition. Previously, the program was limited to Bourbonnais and Bradley school districts. Expanded support now includes Kankakee School District #111, Herscher School District, Iroquois Federal Foundation, Meijer, and several local donors.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which sends more than 2 million books nationwide each month, is designed to strengthen early literacy and prepare children for school success. Local leaders say this expansion ensures that every child in the county has access to enriching books and the joy of shared reading at home.
For more information or to support the program, families can contact nicole@cfkrv.org or mariah@myunitedway.org.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
