Rochester Imagination Library

09/25/2026

This year, “9/25” is Give Like Dolly Day, help us bring more books to Rochester children.

As more children in our area are enrolled in the program, local support matters more than ever.

Give like Dolly. Donate today!

https://www.rochesterimaginationlibrary.org/donate

09/25/2026

Dolly Parton believed every child should have books of their own. On September 25, “9 to 5 day” Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is inviting communities to carry that spirit forward through Give Like Dolly Day.

Here in Rochester, you can take part by supporting Rochester Imagination Library. Your gift helps bring books into children’s homes and keeps the joy of reading growing in our community.

Join us in giving like Dolly. Donate at https://www.rochesterimaginationlibrary.org/donate

09/22/2026

We have collected answers to common questions about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to help families get started and ensure books keep arriving!

Please note that it may take 8 to 12 weeks for your first book to arrive, after which books will arrive once a month.

Keep this frequently asked questions guide and give it to a parent or carer.

For more information and to check availability in your area, please visit : https://www.rochesterimaginationlibrary.org/

09/15/2026

United Way joined families at Senator Jeremy Cooney's fifth annual summer community barbecue at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, sharing the Rochester Imagination Library.

Because of these links with the community, we can send free books to more families' homes and thus give children more opportunities to read, imagine, and learn with someone they love.

Since United Way took over responsibility in April, 737 new children have joined the Imagination Library program, and 5,283 children in the city of Rochester have been served in total.

When families get used to their school routines, it is worth taking the time to share a book.
If you have a child who is under five years of age, get further information and register now at rochesterimaginationlibrary.org

08/26/2026

Through her music, generosity, unique spirit, and the gift of reading to millions of children, Dolly Parton brought joy to the world.

With her passing, many people have asked how they can honor her life and legacy.

Her family has urged people who want to remember her to donate to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library instead of giving flowers, helping carry on the cause she cared about so much: getting books into the hands and homes of young children.

United Way is pleased to run the Imagination Library locally serving the City of Rochester and growing in the region. If you wish to donate in memory of Dolly, you can support the program by visiting unitedwayrocflx.org/dpil.or find a local chapter in your community at https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/

08/25/2026

We pay tribute to Dolly Parton alongside people around the world — she was an outstanding artist, storyteller, and philanthropist, and her generosity extended well beyond the stage.

One of the many aspects of her legacy is the Imagination Library founded by Dolly Parton on the principle that every child should have the opportunity to grow up with books; the program has since placed millions of books into the hands and homes of children and has thus helped families to develop a love of reading right from the start.

The United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes would like to express its deep gratitude for helping sustain that work in our community; it is a true privilege to be involved in an initiative that began with Dolly's simple, lasting belief in children, families, and the impact of a good book.

Her music will be remembered, along with her generosity, her humor, and all the lives she touched.

We are thinking of her family, her friends and everyone else who is grieving her loss.

08/19/2026

Since United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes took over the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, the story has kept growing — and it’s a exciting story to tell.

In just a few months:

503 new children have joined the program
23,654 books have been sent to children across our community

Each book delivered means another opportunity to build a love of reading, strengthen early literacy and help prepare a child for school and beyond.
And we’re only getting started.

Learn more about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and help us put more books into the hands of local children: unitedwayrocflx.org/dpil

08/18/2026

07/22/2026

Early literacy begins long before a child can read words on a page.

When infants and toddlers point to pictures, recognize familiar objects, ask what words say, or connect a story to their own life, they are building the foundation for reading.

Books help children understand that pictures and print carry meaning. They introduce new words, teach how stories work, and create moments of closeness between children and the adults who care for them.

Every page turned, every question answered, and every story shared helps a child grow.
That is why early literacy matters.

To learn more about the Rochester Imagination Library , visit: unitedwayrocflx.org/DPIL

07/15/2026

This past weekend, the Rochester Gay Men's Chorus closed out its season with "Rainbowland Rhapsody: Songs of Dolly Parton," honoring Dolly's message of love, acceptance, and belonging through an unforgettable performance.

We're especially grateful that a portion of the concert proceeds will support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Rochester, helping put free, high-quality books into the hands of local children from birth to age five.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table, shared kind words, and made donations to help inspire the next generation of readers. Your generosity helps ensure more children can experience the lifelong gift of books.