Imagination Library Fosters Early Literacy In Little Readers
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
by Stephanie Baker
In Arkansas, more than three-quarters of participating parents say they are reading more often with their children thanks to the Imagination Library, a free book program now reaching hundreds of families in Johnson County.
The Imagination Library provides free books to children from birth until they enter kindergarten, with each child receiving up to 60 books over the course of the program. In Johnson County, 689 children are currently enrolled, and 1,736 have graduated after turning five. The program is made possible by its local partner, the Johnson County Public Library (JCPL).
JCPL became the local affiliate for the program in 2025, following the transition from United Way. The transition helped keep the local program affiliate in the community and united both libraries on a mission to reach preschool children with literacy resources.
The Imagination Library is also available to residents in Franklin County through the United Way of Fort Smith.
Each month, children enrolled in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library receive a free, age-appropriate book, an experience helping to launch a lifelong love of reading.
“The library was an ideal partnership,” said Jimmy Ritchie, Imagination Library local administrator and JCPL branch manager, adding both organizations share values of learning and literacy, and show a commitment to fostering a love of reading among preschool-aged children. The Imagination Library provides free books by mail, and JCPL offers weekly children’s storytimes and other children’s programming, in addition to offering a large collection of children’s titles available for checkout.
“The Imagination Library has had a wonderful impact on my son, Justin’s, love for reading,” said Amber Willis, a local mother. “He is so excited every month when we check the mail and find a new book. He loves reading about tractors and dinosaurs.”
Willis said the program has introduced her son to a wide range of topics she may not have chosen on her own, from early board books in infancy to stories about emotions as a toddler. The impact has extended beyond her household.
“We have also been able to bless others in our family with books, including my grandson, Preston, who is now one,” she said.
The Arkansas Imagination Library was established through Act 640 of 2023, which created a statewide program and fund that covers half the cost of books. This partnership allows local organizations to stretch their fundraising efforts further and to serve more children.
The JCPL handles enrollment, promotes the program, and contributes $2.10 per child monthly toward book and mailing costs, reduced to $1.05 after state matching funds are received.
Statewide, the program continues to show measurable success. According to statistics shared in a recent press release, 77.6% of Arkansas parents reported reading more often at home since enrolling, while 78.1% said their child has become more interested in books and reading. Many also reported increased vocabulary, improved listening skills, and longer attention spans.
Despite these benefits, enrollment in the free program remains at 45% statewide and 42% in Johnson County, showcasing an impact for many families, but leaving room for growth.
As a free program, the Imagination Library is available to all families with children under age five. Registration requires basic information, including the child’s name, birthdate, and mailing address, as well as parent or guardian contact details.
Any family with a home address can receive the books, which helps break down traditional barriers of literacy faced in rural areas, including cost and distance, said Ritchie.
According to recent state statistics, 12.3% of participating parents said their child had no age-appropriate books at home before enrolling.
As of June 2025, families can choose to receive books in English or Spanish/English bilingual titles. Preferences can be updated at any time. Ritchie said this new offering helps to reach more families with the resources, but he noted some residents, including the large local Karen population, are still underserved by the program. Ritchie explained many publishers are not releasing material in Karen, but the JCPL has been working to grow its in-house collection of titles to better meet the need.
Community involvement plays a key role in the program’s success. Many families learn about the Imagination Library through word of mouth, sharing information with friends and neighbors. A partnership with the post office also allows undelivered books to be redistributed at local events at no cost to local families.
Ritchie noted his own family has benefited, with his niece, Kyleigh Conway, graduating from the program. Conway now shares her experiences with receiving books and encourages other families to enroll, alongside Ritchie, with the goal of encouraging a love of reading in even the youngest readers.
“Reading is essential to childhood,” Ritchie said, emphasizing the program’s role in early development, and explaining that children who are read to at home between the ages of birth to five are more prepared for kindergarten and life, and children with at least 25 books in their home on average complete two years more of schooling than their peers.
However, as enrollment increases, so does the need for funding, said Ritchie, explaining while the state currently provides matching support, local partners must continue fundraising to cover the book costs of the local program. Locally, donations are collected through the Johnson County Community Foundation.
Ritchie expressed appreciation to funding partners including the University of the Ozarks, Clarksville Rotary Club, and Mustard Seed Ministries, for their invaluable support in helping ensure books can continue to be sent to children throughout Johnson County.
Read this story and others in the April 1 issue of The Graphic, available online and at businesses throughout Franklin and Johnson counties. Subscribe or donate here to support more hometown journalism.
IMAGINATION LIBRARY— Preston Willis (left) and Justin Willis enjoy books they received through the Imagination Library. The boys are two of the nearly 700 children in Johnson County who receive free books monthly by mail through the program, made possible by the local sponsoring organization, the Johnson County Public Library.
-Photo courtesy Amber Willis
