2023 Recap

2023 was a big year for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio filled with several milestones and many celebrations. Ohio’s local program partners continue to work hard bringing this program to families across the state by expanding enrollment, building new partnerships, and fundraising to support the program.

Statewide Milestones

From January 2023 to December 2023, over 4.5 million Imagination Library books have been mailed to children in Ohio at no cost to families!

Currently, 59% of Ohio’s eligible children (birth - age 5) are enrolled in the program! Statewide enrollment increased from 51% to 59% this year.

Additionally, Ohio has the most children enrolled in the Imagination Library compared to any other state in the U.S.

Celebratory Events

Many of Ohio’s local partners hosted Imagination Library events this year, including graduation ceremonies, anniversary parties, fundraisers, book readings and more! Check out some of the 2023 highlights below.

Shelby Public Libraries hosted a graduation celebration with special guest, Llama Llama!

Toledo Lucas County Public Library hosted a fundraiser this summer to support Lucas County’s Imagination Library, and was joined by Lt. Governor Jon Husted.

Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine hosted several books reading this year to encourage enrollment in Ohio’s Imagination Library.

Muskingum County Library System awarded graduation certificates to new Imagination Library graduates (age 5) who visited the library.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base  partnered with Ohio’s Imagination Library to elevate awareness about the program to military and civilian families associated with the base.

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, local program partner in Hamilton County, partnered with Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, who hosted an Imagination Library book reading.

The Greene County Public Library Foundation hosted a 10 year anniversary celebration for Greene County’s Imagination Library program.

Fairfield County’s local partner, the United Way of Fairfield County, partnered with Fairfield County Commissioner David Levacy, who hosted a book reading and filmed a video about the Imagination Library.

Lifeline hosted their first Imagination Library luncheon to benefit Lake County’s Imagination Library program this fall.