Imagination Library Winter ’26 Update

January was a landmark month for the Lorain County Imagination Library, filled with celebration and community support in honor of Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday.

This month, the Avon Lake E&H Ace Hardware hosted a round‑up campaign benefiting the Imagination Library. Shoppers were invited to round up their purchases at checkout, and their generosity directly supported free monthly books for children under age five in Lorain County. We extend our gratitude to E&H Ace Hardware, United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties, and every community member who contributed.

To honor Dolly’s 80th birthday, Lorain County also held a special “Give in 8s” fundraising drive, encouraging donations in increments of eight ($8, $18, $80, etc.) With efforts like these and the ongoing generosity of local supporters, Lorain County is now approaching the incredible milestone of one million books mailed to children under age five since the program began. This achievement reflects years of dedication and a shared belief that every child deserves the foundation that early reading provides.

Lastly, we are excited to share that the Rotary for Reading campaign is now underway statewide, and Rotarians in District 6600 (which includes Lorain County) can support early literacy in a big way. Set as friendly competition between the state’s districts, the campaign runs now through March 14, with a statewide goal of raising $250,000. Rotarians can support the effort by donating to all partners in the district or directly to their county of choice. Increasing awareness of this campaign within local clubs can help boost our standing and strengthen the Imagination Library for families across the region. Click for more information about the competition from OhioImaginationLibrary.org.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Dolly’s birthday and supporting the Imagination Library throughout January. Together, we are helping Lorain County’s youngest learners dream big, one book at a time!

The Community Foundation in partnership with Lorain County Imagination Library is always willing to come present to any of your organizations on the Imagination Library program (with our cardboard cutout of Dolly, of course!) Contact our Community Engagement Associate Britney Ware at bware@peoplewhocare.org with any questions regarding the program.