The funding will help expand the reach of the Imagination Library in Rensselaer County and Albany County, with a targeted focus on increasing enrollment for children in ALICE ZIP codes — communities where households are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed.

“Early literacy is one of the strongest predictors of academic success,” said Assemblymember McDonald. “By investing in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, we are making sure children, no matter their family’s income, have access to books during the most critical years, while also giving parents and caregivers tools to support learning at home.”

“Every child deserves to fall in love with reading and have access to books at home,” said Peter Gannon, President & CEO of United Way of the Greater Capital Region. “We’re grateful to Assemblymember John T. McDonald III for his generosity and commitment to early childhood education backed by this $75,000 investment in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This funding will help United Way reach more families in ALICE ZIP codes across Rensselaer and Albany Counties and put the joy of books directly into the hands of children. We want to make sure every child — regardless of their family’s income — can build a home library, develop early cognitive skills and be school ready by the time kindergarten starts.”

Sue Rosa, President of CEO, emphasized the impact on local families. 

“As a leader in Early Childhood Services throughout Rensselaer County, the CEO Head Start Program is pleased to be a partner on this impactful initiative. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library will remove barriers, enhance school readiness, and provide access to all.”

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a free book-gifting program for children from birth to age five. Each month, enrolled children receive an age-appropriate book mailed directly to their home at no cost to their family. In addition to building home libraries, the program provides caregivers with resources to support early reading and language development.

Since launching in the Capital Region, the program has seen remarkable growth. In its first year, more than 100,000 books were distributed to local children. In its second year, another 100,000 books were distributed in just the first six months. Currently, 13,500 children are enrolled.

All children from birth to age five who live in the nine counties served by United Way of the Greater Capital Region are eligible to enroll.

The event at CEO highlighted the collaborative effort behind the program. CEO’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs prepare children for school by offering safe, nurturing childcare environments that support early learning and social-emotional development.