On Saturday, March 3, Huntingburg Library director Lisa McWilliams and children’s librarian Margaret Fleming joined forces with the Friends of the Jasper Library to launch Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Dubois County.

Any child from birth through age five may sign up to receive a free book once a month through the program. An estimated 400 people attended the event at the Jasper Library on March 3, according to McWilliams.

Huntingburg Library patrons may enroll their young children in the program through the Library website at the bottom of the Services webpage. Children signing up for the free books are also invited to have their picture taken with a life-size cardboard cutout of “Dolly” at the Library.

According to the Indiana State Library at https://www.in.gov/library/imagination-library/, “The mission of the Imagination Library of Indiana is to foster a love of reading among young learners by ensuring equitable access to free monthly books mailed directly to their homes from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“Our vision is that all early learners have developed a quality, inclusive home library, are inspired to read, ready to learn, and are excelling academically, creating a thriving child and a vibrant, healthy community.

“Reading begins at birth and the benefits of a home library go far beyond the books. Parents and guardians are a child’s first and best teacher. By providing books every month at no cost to families, the Imagination Library increases childhood literacy rates, fosters a love of books, and promotes a culture of reading among all families in Indiana.

“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: loved by families, validated by research.”