CULLMAN, Ala. – The United Way of Cullman County recently celebrated the relaunch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Now, the UWCC oversees the Imagination Library for Cullman and Winston counties. The event was held at the Cullman County Public Library in downtown Cullman.
The Imagination Library provides children from birth to age 5 free, age-appropriate books delivered directly to their homes each month. The program is available to all families, regardless of income, and enrollment can be completed at www.uwaycc.org/DPIL or in person at designated events.
Ariel Thompson, community engagement coordinator for Alabama’s Imagination Library, said this is a great way to encourage a love of reading at a young age. “This is really about inspiring a love of reading at the very beginning of life. We’re helping build vocabulary, brain development and social-emotional skills — just through books,” she said. For families who choose to sponsor their child for $35 a year, the State provides matching funds to support an additional child. Thompson emphasized, “It’s not just about free books; it’s about creating a culture of literacy and community support.”
Local author and UWCC Resource Development & Outreach Manager Taylor Johnson, spoke at the event about her personal experience with the Imagination Library, her son having graduated from the program after receiving books throughout the pandemic.
“Those books were our happiness. They arrived every month, even during uncertain times, and gave us something to look forward to,” she said. “Watching my son grow with them has been incredible.”
Johnson recently published her first children’s book, “Finlee and Her Purple Glasses,” inspired by both her work with the Imagination Library and a classmate of her son’s with unique glasses. The story celebrates self-esteem and differences. Johnson said she hopes the message of her story will resonate with young readers.
“Having your children proud of you hits differently,” Johnson shared. “That’s what makes writing for kids so meaningful.”
Sponsoring a child through the Imagination Library costs $35 per year, and thanks to State matching funds, each sponsorship helps provide books for two children.
“Even if you start at age 3, your child can still receive two full years of books. And if you’re in a position to sponsor, you’re also helping another child in your community,” Johnson said.
For more information or to enroll, visit www.uwaycc.org/DPIL or call 256-739-2948.
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