Expanding Early Literacy Across Will County
The Rotary Club of Joliet is committed to creating opportunities for children to learn, grow, and succeed. As part of that commitment, the Club proudly supports Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Will County, a transformative early literacy program that helps children build a lifelong love of reading.
Through the Imagination Library, children from birth to age five receive a free, age-appropriate book every month, delivered directly to their home. The program provides families with access to high-quality books while encouraging daily reading habits that support language development, school readiness, and long-term academic success.
In 2025, the Rotary Club of Joliet invested $50,000 from the proceeds of its Annual Cash Raffle to help launch and expand the program throughout Will County. The contribution represents one of the Club's most significant recent investments in education and reflects Rotary's belief that literacy is fundamental to building stronger communities.
The Imagination Library was brought to Will County through a partnership among the Will County Executive's Office, the Will County Center for Economic Development, the Dollywood Foundation, local businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders who share a vision of improving educational outcomes for children across the region.
Today, the program serves tens of thousands of Will County children, providing families with resources that help foster early literacy and create a strong foundation for future learning. Research shows that children who participate in the Imagination Library demonstrate increased kindergarten readiness and stronger early literacy skills, reinforcing the value of investing in reading at an early age.
Rotary's support of the Imagination Library aligns with Basic Education and Literacy, one of Rotary International's Areas of Focus. By helping place books into the hands of young children, the Rotary Club of Joliet is investing not only in individual families but also in the future strength and vitality of our community.
Impact at a Glance
$50,000 invested by the Rotary Club of Joliet to support the program's growth in Will County.
Free monthly books mailed directly to children from birth through age five.
Tens of thousands of children served throughout Will County.
Supports kindergarten readiness and early literacy development.
Part of Rotary's commitment to Basic Education and Literacy.