Interest in the Imagination Library of Will County has surged following Dolly Parton’s passing, according to officials. This program offers free, age-appropriate books to children up to age 5. In the recent week, over 730 parents in Will County registered for the program.

Dolly Parton founded the Imagination Library in 1995 to encourage a love of reading among young children. The Will County initiative, a collaboration between the county executive’s office and the Will County Economic Development Foundation, was launched in July 2025. Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant was inspired by the program at a Nashville conference during her time as a state senator. She was motivated by the benefits of reading for children’s emotional, social, and academic development.

Recently, about 8,800 children in Will County have received books monthly through the program. Around 1,100 children graduated after reaching age 5, receiving their final book alongside a letter from Parton. Currently, there are 7,720 children actively enrolled, with 736 new registrations added last week as shared by Mike Theodore, a spokesman for the county executive’s office.

A January fundraiser at Joliet’s Hollywood Casino celebrated Parton’s 80th birthday. The event raised proceeds sponsoring 875 Will County children for one year. In a typical month, 100 to 130 new children register for books, said Theodore. Will County is leading Illinois in program enrollments, and high traffic on the online registration system has resulted in delays.

Following Parton’s passing, there has been an increase in inquiries on how residents and businesses can financially support the program, Theodore noted. Sponsorships are available online with donations able to sponsor single or multiple children annually.

The Rotary Club of Joliet donated $50,000 in June 2025 for the program’s initiation. Books are chosen by a committee through the Dollywood Foundation, aiming to enhance early childhood education. Research indicates children in the Imagination Library have a 29% increase in kindergarten readiness.

Alongside individual sponsors, corporate and nonprofit donors contribute significantly to the program. Jackson Generation made notable donations totaling $50,000. Additional contributions include $50,000 from the Rotary Club of Joliet and $30,000 from Amazon. An event in January raised enough funds to support 875 children for one year.

Michelle Mullins, affiliated with Daily Southtown, covers this information as a freelance reporter.