United Way of Ross County Celebrates the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Graduating Class of 2026
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Chillicothe, OH — United Way of Ross County proudly celebrates the 2026 graduates of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a milestone marking each child’s completion of five years of monthly, age-appropriate books delivered directly to their home. As the administrator and fiscal agent of the program in Ross County for more than 15 years, United Way continues its commitment to early childhood literacy, learning, and imagination, cornerstones of long-term community success.
Today, the Imagination Library in Ross County serves nearly 3000 children each month, providing families with consistent access to high-quality books that spark curiosity, strengthen family reading routines, and prepare children for kindergarten and beyond. The program is led locally by Molly Clary, Donor Relations Coordinator, who oversees United Way’s Imagination Library operations and community partnerships.
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is supported by the largest shared book reading study ever conducted, surveying more than 86000 caregivers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. Findings show that children receiving Imagination Library books demonstrate dramatically stronger early literacy skills, richer home reading environments, and deeper engagement during shared reading time. Children in the United States were found to be 11 times more likely to be interested in books, 15 times more likely to join in reading, and nine times more likely to initiate reading at home compared to children not enrolled in the program.
These results reaffirm what Ross County families have long experienced: early literacy begins at home, and access to books in the earliest years builds vocabulary, phonological awareness, and a lifelong love of reading.
United Way of Ross County extends deep appreciation to the partners who help sustain and expand this beloved program. The Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library, Kenworth, and numerous individual donors play essential roles in ensuring that every child, regardless of income, can receive a free book each month from birth to age five.
“Our community partners make this program possible,” said Molly Clary, Donor Relations Coordinator. “Their generosity ensures that thousands of Ross County children begin school with stronger literacy skills, greater confidence, and a love of learning.”
As part of its mission, United Way of Ross County invests in programs that strengthen families, expand educational opportunities, and build a thriving community. The Imagination Library is one of the most impactful examples of that investment, encouraging learning, imagination, bonding, and school readiness for every child enrolled.
“Celebrating our 2026 Imagination Library graduates is celebrating the future of Ross County,” said Andrea Williams, President and CEO of United Way of Ross County. “These children are entering kindergarten with stronger skills, stronger curiosity, and stronger support from a community that believes in them.”
United Way of Ross County works to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community to advance education, financial stability, and health. Through strategic partnerships and donor support, United Way invests in programs that create lasting, measurable change for families across Ross County.
