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Local Dolly Parton Imagination Library chapter seeks city support to cover rising postage costs and expand enrollment
Summary
Volunteers running the Boyle County chapter of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library asked the city to fund part of the program’s local share after an 18% cost increase driven by postage changes; the program mails a free, age‑appropriate book monthly to enrolled children ages 0–5 and reported nearly 1,000 active children.
Representatives of the Boyle County Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) presented the volunteer‑run early‑literacy program and requested city support to offset a recent increase in per‑child monthly costs. The chapter is administered locally with fiscal sponsorship through Heart of Kentucky United Way.
Speakers said the program delivers a free age‑appropriate book each month to enrolled children from birth through age 5; when a child turns 5 they graduate from the program. The Boyle County chapter reported 976 active children receiving books, and 742 children had graduated, representing roughly 63% of eligible children in the county at the time of the presentation.
Speakers said the program’s local cost share was $2.20 per child per month historically but increased in 2025 to roughly $2.60 per child per month because of postage rate increases; they asked the city to consider annual support of $4,800 (an amount that would cover the local share of postage increases or roughly two months of current costs). Program partners include Boyle County Public Library, Plaid Elephant Books, Center College, Heart of Kentucky United Way, and local pediatric practices; the chapter reported outreach to hospitals and pediatricians to enroll newborns.
Why it matters: Early literacy and book ownership are linked to school readiness and longer‑term educational outcomes. Local support would help stabilize funding for the chapter amid uncertain state or federal support for the program and rising mailing costs.
