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  • IMAGINATION LIBRARY

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Ottawa County, OH

A passion project of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine, in collaboration with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, OGIL provides Ottawa County children from birth up to age five, regardless of family income, with a new book each month at NO COST to the parent or provider. Studies have shown that improving early literacy leads to better education and training, improved employment outcomes, less poverty, and reduced crime. The books, which are mailed directly to each child, are selected by a panel of early childhood literacy experts.

To enroll a child in Ohio, visit www.ohioimaginationlibrary.org.

​To enroll a child in Imagination Library in Ottawa County, visit https://www.unitedwaytoledo.org/take-action/united-way-in-ottawa-county/ and click on the “Register Now” tab.

Anyone interested in supporting this cause may contact United Way in Ottawa County, 419-734-6645, info@unitedwayottawacounty.org.

Downloadable flyer here.

ottawacountygeneralflyer2021.pdf
File Size: 2077 kb
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United Way needs your help. Give the gift of books to a local child and support the I.L. 2021 Ottawa County Campaign!

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Dear Ottawa County Friend,

Have you heard Dolly Parton is in Ottawa County? Well, not quite—but Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is! The literacy program, free of charge regardless of family income, improves children’s literacy levels by providing books to children and parents so they may read and learn together. From the child’s birth up to his or her 5th birthday, each young reader experiences the thrill of receiving one book mailed every month, directly to his or her home!

According to human development and psychology experts Betty Hart and Todd R. Risley, in The Early Catastrophe: The 30 Million Word Gap by Age 3, “Developing literacy begins at birth. By the age of three, a child’s brain is already 80% developed, and, by the time a child enters kindergarten, they must already know thousands of words in order to succeed in the classroom.”

United Way in Ottawa County is partnering with the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library (OGIL). As a designated partner, United Way handles the administration of Imagination Library in Ottawa County, serving as the conduit for direct community donations and enrollment of children in the area. OGIL matches all funds raised in Ottawa County, dollar for dollar. Approximately 2,000 Ottawa County children, of pre-school age, could benefit from receiving these free books, mailed directly to each child, each month, at a cost of approximately $25 per child, per year. The books are selected by a panel of early childhood literacy experts. 

DONATE NOW to support the sustainability of Imagination Library in Ottawa County:
  • Consider directing a portion of your unused travel or entertainment funds.
  • Donate directly from a traditional IRA—potentially avoiding taxes on the contribution.  
  • Designate a United Way in Ottawa County donation to be used for Imagination Library.
  • Ask your employer to provide a matching gift, if possible.

Wouldn’t we all want our county to be more literate and better educated? Wouldn’t we all want to improve every child’s chances to succeed? Donate now via United Way in Ottawa County at https://www.unitedwaytoledo.org/take-action/united-way-in-ottawa-county. Simply click on the “Sponsor a Child” button on the right-hand side of the page. Checks may also be sent to United Way in Ottawa County, 1854 E. Perry St, Suite 300, Port Clinton, OH 43452. Indicate “Designation to Imagination Library in Ottawa County” on the memo line. Questions? Call 419-734-6645 or email info@UnitedWayOttawaCounty.org.

Please consider Ottawa County’s future and help us ensure ongoing funding for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Ottawa County! Thank you for your support. 


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