To the Journal editor:

A recent television story, “Free kids’ books available for Marquette, Alger counties,” regarding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has generated some questions. As the founding program partner for DPIL in Marquette and Alger counties, Literacy Legacy Fund of Michigan has received inquiries from the public and supporters regarding recent updates and wanted to provide clarification.

“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five, through funding shared by Dolly Parton and local community partners in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Republic of Ireland.”

The program mails one new book per month to each child at no cost, obligation or income requirement for the child’s family or guardians. Parents or guardians register online or submit the completed registration form to enroll the child who resides in the area served by a Program Partner.

The Program Partner contributes $26 per month per child to The Dollywood Foundation for the cost of books and their mailing. The Program Partner or its Local Champion manages the database and marketing. The Program Partner helps ensure funding will be available for seamless book distribution to the child. The Foundation is responsible for selecting, processing, mailing, and managing the distribution. Financial support allows book gifting to be available.

Financial sponsors and donors were essential in founding 49855 and AuTrain-Onota sites and are key to the continuing success of the DPIL program. Since 2022, Mark Aho Financial Group and Range Bank have been consistent financial sponsors with La Dolce Video & Design and Globe Printing as marketing sponsors, among others.

In 2023, Marquette-Alger RESA received funds to pay for children 3 years and younger as part of the existing service areas. LLF Michigan appreciates the financial assistance for these two existing sites. Funds also helped LLF Michigan become a Program Partner and identify Local Champions in Ishpeming, Munising, Burt Township and Powell Township.

In 2024, Marquette-Alger RESA received funds to help support our existing six Local Champion sites. Given the ongoing investment of many, we want donors and sponsors to know that we genuinely appreciate ongoing financial support for this and a host of other projects annually. We count on ongoing financial assistance to support us in many ways to ensure continued programming.

Negaunee Elks Lodge #1116 was the first Program Partner in Marquette County. They also serve as the Local Champion for Negaunee with registration, database management, and publicity.

Recently, Marquette-Alger RESA was approved by the Dollywood Foundation as a Program Partner, funding six additional sites not covered previously in Marquette and Alger Counties. Now, there are three groups of Program Partners in these two counties – Negaunee Elks Lodge #1116, LLF Michigan, and Marquette-Alger RESA.

Children, birth to age five in these counties, now have access with no cost, obligation or income requirement for the child’s family or guardians to receive a book in the mail monthly if registered for DPIL. Families should visit ImaginationLibrary.com to locate their registration site.

With more children enrolled in DPIL, continued community support, additional Program Partners, and efforts to work together, we will ensure access to this wonderful resource to enhance children’s literacy and create a brighter future for many years to come.