The Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ohio is the catalyst for early childhood literacy across Ohio.
Through a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to put more books in the hands of Ohio’s children,
we are working to ensure that every student entering kindergarten is ready to succeed.
In February of 2025, Marion County celebrated 5 years of delivering books. Thank you, Marion, for your help in this initiative!
START WITH A PLAN -- Marion's Literacy Success Plan
Marion Imagination Library (register below) + My First Library Card + Reading 20 minutes daily.
In just a few minutes and clicks, you can give your child the gift of books arriving in your mailbox monthly. Enroll today!
For those children living in MARION COUNTY, it must be a PARENT (or legal guardian) of the child who registers the child, NOT a GRANDPARENT.
FAQs:
What Is Imagination Library?
Each month, a new, carefully selected book will be mailed in your child's name directly to your home. The first book is always the children's classic, The Little Engine That Could. Best of all, it is a FREE GIFT to your child because your county partner is raising the funds to make it happen.
Who Is Eligible?
Children under the age of five in Marion County.
What Are My Responsibilities?
- Be a resident of Marion County
- Submit an official registration via the button above, or stop into the Marion Public Library to fill out a paper form.
- Notify Marion Public Library any time your address changes. Books are mailed to the address listed on the account.
- Read with your child and have fun! Let's Read 20 for additional help and literacy-related activities.
When Will I Receive Books?
Eight to ten weeks after your registration form has been received, books will begin arriving at your home and will continue until your child turns five or you move out of the covered area.
How can you help us keep the books coming for Marion County children?
Grow our fund...
We have set up a fund at Marion Community Foundation for community members to contribute to this great program that creates a foundation for literacy success.
--> ANY amount of donation is acceptable - $5, $10, $20... All funds will go toward delivering books
--> $26 covers the cost of a child receiving the books for one year = 12 books
--> $130 covers the cost of a child receiving the books from age 0 till they turn age 5 = 60 books.
You can make your donation online to the MARION COMMUNITY FOUNDATION fund for Marion Imagination Library.
You can deliver/mail a check or cash donation to Marion Community Foundation, 504 S. State Street, Marion, Ohio 43302; or you can give online by visiting Marion Community Foundations website.
Marion Public Library is proud to PARTNER with other local agencies to ensure Marion County's participation in this literacy initiative.
We thank these major local contributors:
- Dr. Dalsukh A. and Dr. lla Madia
- Anonymous
- Marion Rotary Club members
- 100 Women Who Care members
- Dayspring Wesleyan Church
- Ray & Charlotte Baldauf Charitable Fund
- United Way of North Central Ohio, Inc.
- Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative Community Fund
- Marion Junior Service Guild
- Molly & Larry Geissler
- POET Never Satisfied Grant
- American Legion Club #162
- Stephen J. Chaney Post 7201
- Roger and Janice Vanover
- American Legion Harold L. Bradley Post 584
- Marion Noon Kiwanis Foundation, Inc.
- OhioHealth Marion General Hospital
- Marion Community Foundation
Help promote Marion's Imagination Library.
Post a poster or share some paper enrollment forms
Marion Imagination Poster - 8.5x11 English Spanish
Paper enrollment form - half sheet front and back Spanish half sheet front and back