The Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is set to start in Morgan County later this year. Through the partnership of the Junior League of Morgan County and the United Way of Morgan County, children from birth to five years old will receive a free book each month from the program.  

 With its goal of increasing early childhood literacy, the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was the perfect cause to rally behind for Junior League of Morgan County president Laura Speegle.  

 “Experts tell us that if a child does not read proficiently by the third grade, she may never achieve her full potential. In Decatur City Schools, 73.72 percent of third graders are reading at grade level, which is below the state’s 75.54 percent. Morgan County Schools scored 86.01 percent, and Hartselle Schools scored 92.61 percent. With proven success of Dolly Parton Imagination Library throughout the country we are confident that this program will support the school’s efforts to improve student reading scores,” Speegle said.  

 According to census estimates, around 7,400 children in Morgan County qualify for the program. Speegle says based on calculations on the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library website they are budgeting for $56,114 – $77,927 within the first year. Two fundraisers are already planned to help support the cause.  

 “We have multiple fundraising events upcoming in our 2023-24 year. We are currently accepting sponsors for our Scarecrows in the Park event that will be held in Veteran’s Park starting Oct. 1. We are also hosing a Boston Butt fundraiser with three pick up locations in Morgan County on Oct. 20. In the spring, we will be hosting a golf tournament at Point Mallard on Apr. 27,” Speegle said.  

Details on the fall fundraising efforts can be found on the Junior League of Morgan County’s website at www.jlmorgancounty.com. Additional details will be released for the golf tournament at a later date.  

Currently the goal is to open registration for the program in November of this year with the first sets of books arriving at the start of the 2024. Speegle says supporting the Imagination Library in Morgan County should be a cause for everyone to rally behind.  

“Supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a powerful way to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community. Dolly Parton believes that if you can read, you can do anything, dream anything, and be anything. These books are mailed directly to the child’s home to create a gifting experience that makes books exciting and shows the child someone is thinking of them,” Speegle said.  

Community members interested in supporting the program can find more details at www.imaginationlibrary.com and can make donations by visiting www.jlmorgancounty.com or by mailing a check to PO Box 486, Decatur, AL 35602.