News

Oct. 1, 2024:

United Way of the Southern Tier and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County are pleased to announce that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is now open to all children under age 5 in Schuyler County.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides children with a book by mail each month from registration until just before their 5th birthday. The program’s goals are to encourage early literacy, build language skills and excite children about reading.

“After several years of trying to secure a local sponsor, we are pleased to partner with Cornell Cooperative Extension to bring this popular program to the children of Schuyler County,” said Steve Hughes, President and CEO of United Way of the Southern Tier.

Any young child in Schuyler County, regardless of family income, can receive high-quality, age-appropriate books through the Imagination Library. All books are provided at no cost to families. Registration is easy and can be done online.  

“We are excited as an organization to be a part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and share both the spark and joy of books while sprinkling the seeds for the love of reading with little ones and their families,” said Melissa C. Schroeder, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County.

The first book each child receives is the classic, “The Little Engine That Could.” The child’s last book, when they “graduate” from the Imagination Library is “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come.”

Although Dolly Parton is the founder and spokesperson for the initiative, the famed icon does not provide funding for local children. Corporate and individual donors make each community program possible. Cooperative Extension will serve as the Schuyler County program champion; United Way of the Southern Tier will provide administrative support.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is available to children in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Yates counties. To register a child or check availability in your area, visit the Imagination Library website.

For more information about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, email United Way of the Southern Tier or call 607-936-3753.

For more information, please contact United Way Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives Barbara Hubbell by email or at 607-377-5833.