Summer reading program kicks off with storybook trail

On Friday, May 30, United Way of Knox County partnered with The Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County to host a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Storybook Trail, bringing families together to celebrate early literacy, learning, and community connection.

Families enjoyed walking the trail while reading "Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle. The interactive experience encouraged children and caregivers to engage with the story together.

In addition to the Storybook Trail, children had the opportunity to sign up for the library’s "Unearth a Story" 2026 Summer Reading Program, complete coloring pages, and participate in activities from an event activity packet.

The event was designed to support early literacy and help families connect with valuable community resources in an engaging and accessible way.

The event also highlighted the continued impact of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Knox County. Since its local launch in 2009, the program has helped thousands of children build a foundation for lifelong learning through access to free, high-quality books.

In 2020, support from United Way of Knox County donors helped the program surpass $250,000 in total local investment, ensuring that families across Knox County could continue receiving books at no cost.

In 2025, Ohio became the first state in the nation to offer Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library enrollment information as part of newborn paperwork, helping connect families to the program from the very beginning of a child’s life.

Today, 2,313 Knox County children ages 0-5 are enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. In 2026 alone, 13,247 books have been delivered to local children, and 219 children have graduated from the program. Knox County is also on track to enroll its 12,000th child through the program.

These milestones reflect the continued commitment of United Way of Knox County, local donors, community partners, and families who believe in the power of early literacy and the importance of giving every child a strong start.

Families with children ages 0-5 can enroll in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and begin receiving free monthly books by visiting https://www.ohioimaginationlibrary.org/enroll.

Children of all ages are also encouraged to participate in the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County’s "Unearth a Story" Summer Reading Program. Registration is open at the library through July 2.