Schaumburg Library Foundation fundraising for Dolly Parton’s book-gifting program for kids
Following the death of beloved country music star Dolly Parton, the Schaumburg Township Library Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign to bring the community her international endeavor of putting books in children’s hands.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is the world’s leading early childhood book-gifting program, an initiative of the nonprofit Dollywood Foundation.
Since its launch, the program has provided more than 300 million free books to children in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia. The program provides a free, age-appropriate book to enrolled children each month from birth through their fifth birthday.
The plan of the Schaumburg Township Library Foundation is to serve eligible children in six ZIP codes across Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates and Hanover Park beginning early next year.
The local foundation’s fundraising aims to secure an initial $40,000 to cover startup costs. After that, ongoing donations from local businesses and partnerships would fund books, mailing costs and the welcoming of newly enrolled children for years to come.
Importantly, the state of Illinois will match 50% of eligible program costs, subject to annual appropriation.
“Books have a remarkable way of sparking curiosity, imagination and connection, even before children learn to read,” Library Foundation President NaShantá Fletcher said in a statement. “We’re excited to make Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library our first major fundraising initiative and help more families across our community discover the joy of reading together at a young age.”
The foundation seeks local businesses, organizations and individuals to help start and sustain the program. Founding Sponsor levels range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more, but donations of any amount are welcome.
Annual commitments and recurring gifts will be especially valuable in ensuring books arrive each month, foundation directors said.
To learn more, donate or become a Founding Sponsor, visit schaumburgtownshiplibraryfoundation.org/donate/dolly-parton-imagination-library or contact info@stlfoundation.info.
epeterson@dailyherald.com