The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County (PLYMC), in partnership with the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, will honor the life and literacy legacy of Dolly Parton with a community-wide celebration of reading and creativity on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Parton made it her mission to inspire children to read through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a book-gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin kindergarten, regardless of family income. Children enrolled in the program receive a free book each month, mailed to their home in their name.
The United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley launched the Dolly Parton Imagination Library locally in 2014, recognizing that reading regularly with children during the preschool years gives them a strong foundation for success in school and beyond. United Way continues to champion the program with the financial support and cooperation of area educators, families and community partners.
As part of the September 1 celebration, all PLYMC locations and the United Way Volunteer Resource Center will offer free books for children while supplies last. Distribution is limited to one book per child, with a maximum of three books per household.
EVENT DETAILS
| PLYMC locations | Book giveaway and coloring project during regular location hours, while supplies last. Visit www.libraryvisit.org/locations for address information. |
| United Way | Volunteer Resource Center, 8133 Market St., Boardman, beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing while supplies last. |
| Giveaway limit | One book per child; no more than three books per household. |
Visitors of all ages will also be invited to participate in a community art project inspired by Parton's beloved song and children's book, Coat of Many Colors. Participants can decorate individual paper squares that will be assembled into collaborative Coat of Many Colors displays at PLYMC branches and the United Way Volunteer Resource Center during September.
“Our library's mission is rooted in literacy, lifelong learning and opportunity for all. Dolly Parton's legacy demonstrates the incredible impact that access to books can have on a child's future. We are grateful to partner with the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley to support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Ohio, honor her legacy and encourage a love of reading throughout our community.”
— Erin Phemester, Chief Experience Officer, PLYMC
“The early years are the learning years, and early investment in a child matters to everyone. Access to books and educational materials is one of the biggest barriers to literacy development. By expanding access to age-appropriate books, we have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference for our youngest children, one book at a time.”
— Kathy Mock, Education Consultant, United Way
The completed displays will symbolize the many stories, experiences and perspectives that make the Mahoning Valley vibrant and connected. Together, the book giveaway and art project celebrate the power of literacy to bring people together and strengthen communities.
Community members are encouraged to visit a PLYMC location or the United Way Volunteer Resource Center on September 1 to select a book, contribute to the art project and celebrate the lasting impact of one of America's most influential literacy champions.
Follow PLYMC on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok) and check www.libraryvisit.org for updates.
The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) has served the Mahoning Valley since 1880 when the Youngstown Library Association was officially created. With 14 branches across Mahoning County, including Main Library in downtown Youngstown, PLYMC is well known for its signature services and programs like Summer Discovery and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. PLYMC serves our communities by preparing children for kindergarten, promoting early literacy, assisting job seekers, connecting Valley residents to technology, and providing resources for small businesses. Public Documents HERE