United Way of Knox County and The Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County hosted a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Storybook Trail to celebrate early literacy and community connection.
The event took place on Friday, May 30, at the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County. Families walked the trail while reading Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle, enjoying interactive activities designed to engage children and caregivers.
The purpose of the Storybook Trail was to encourage early literacy by providing families with an engaging, accessible way to connect with books and community resources. Children participated in coloring, signed up for the library’s “Unearth a Story” Summer Reading Program, and explored activities from an event packet, all while strengthening bonds through shared reading.
The event also showcased the long-term impact of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Knox County. Since its local launch in 2009, the program has provided thousands of children with free, high-quality books to build a foundation for lifelong learning. In 2020, United Way donors helped the program surpass $250,000 in local investment, ensuring families could continue receiving books at no cost.
Ohio further advanced literacy efforts in 2025 by becoming the first state to include Imagination Library enrollment information in newborn paperwork, connecting families to the program from the very beginning of a child’s life. Currently, 2,313 Knox County children ages 0–5 are enrolled, with 13,247 books delivered in 2026 alone and 219 children graduating from the program. Knox County is also nearing its milestone of enrolling its 12,000th child.
These achievements reflect the dedication of United Way of Knox County, local donors, and community partners who believe in giving every child a strong start. The event’s success was made possible by support from organizations including AMVETS Auxiliary, Edward Jones – Sara Mankins, Ariel Foundation, Danbury Senior Living, Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon, Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and Rotary Club of Mount Vernon.
Families with children ages 0–5 can enroll in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at Ohio Imagination Library, while children of all ages are encouraged to join the library’s “Unearth a Story” Summer Reading Program, with registration open through July 2.
