March 17, 2025  |  Albany, NY — United Way of the Greater Capital Region (UWGCR) is proud to announce that over 10,000 children are currently enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, marking a major milestone in the organization’s efforts to advance early childhood literacy and spark a lifelong love of reading in the local community. Since the program launched in May 2024, nearly 11,000 local children have registered, with 952 having already “graduated” upon their fifth birthday.  

Founded 30 years ago, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is an international program that mails one free book each month to enrolled children under the age of five, regardless of their family’s income. Since the program was founded, more than 270-million books have been gifted worldwide, including almost 60,000 in the Capital Region. 

"It’s no secret books have the power to spark imagination, fuel curiosity, and inspire a lifelong love of learning," said UWGCR President and CEO, Peter Gannon. "Cost should never stand in the way of a child experiencing that joy. The Imagination Library is just one component of UWGCR's commitment to ensuring all local kids have the resources they need to thrive. I am incredibly proud of our team’s dedication to expanding this program and deeply grateful to the donors whose generosity empowers United Way to help build a community where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed." 

Upon announcing its partnership with the Imagination Library last Spring, UWGCR partnered with local schools, libraries, and community-based organizations to host launch events in each of the nine counties it serves. These events helped connect families to this free resource, encouraging enrollment and building community awareness. After delivering approximately 30,000 books in the latter half of 2024, UWGCR projects to gift over 100,000 books in 2025 alone. 

"Congratulations to United Way of Greater Capital Region on surpassing an incredible milestone—enrolling over 10,000 children! They are outstanding partners to Dolly and her Imagination Library, and true treasures to their community. Excited for what the future holds in Albany, NY and the Greater Capital Region!" said Lauren Wirt, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Regional Director 

Addressing a Critical Need in the Community 

The demand for programs like the Imagination Library is significant. According to the latest United For ALICE data, 54,826 households in the Capital Region live below the Federal Poverty Level, and an additional 127,963 are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). These families often work multiple jobs but struggle to afford essentials like housing, food, healthcare, childcare, and educational supplies like books. 

To boost enrollment in ZIP codes that have high percentages of households living in poverty and below the ALICE threshold, UWGCR brought together a coalition of community partners, sponsors, and early childhood literacy advocates to raise awareness and strengthen the program. To expand access even further, the coalition is actively advocating to make New York an official Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library state. If successful, state funding would cover half the cost, dramatically reducing the financial burden for program partners like UWGCR and allowing even more children to benefit. 

"Research shows that 90% of brain development occurs before age five, laying the foundation for all future learning. Getting books into the hands and homes of families and helping them build their own culturally and developmentally appropriate libraries is the first step toward increasing early literacy. Reading with and to young children also strengthens the attachment between the child and the caregiver. It has been thrilling to see Dolly Parton's Imagination Library come to life locally," said Jenn O'Connor, Director of Partnerships and Early Childhood Policy at EdTrust-New York. 

How to Enroll 

Children under the age of five who live in one of UWGCR’s nine service counties - Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Schoharie -are eligible to receive free books through the Imagination Library. To enroll an eligible child, visit unitedwaygcr.org/dpil. 

About United Way of the Greater Capital Region 

United Way of the Greater Capital Region mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. Whenever there is a need, United Way is there—listening, responding, and scaling impact to improve lives. Our work strengthens local resilience, advances health, youth opportunity, and financial security, and ensures every person in our community can reach their full potential. 

About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library 

Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995 to foster a love of reading among young children. Today, it is the world’s most recognizable and effective book-gifting resource. Over 270 million free books have been distributed since its inception, helping children develop early literacy skills and a lifelong love of books.