Give Like Dolly Day: Growing Young Readers Locally

Every child deserves the chance to grow up surrounded by stories, imagination, and the excitement of receiving a book addressed just to them. On Friday, September 25, 2026, the Potter County Education Council will celebrate that opportunity during our Give Like Dolly Day Open House in Coudersport. Families, neighbors, and local supporters are invited to learn how Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library helps put a free, high-quality book in the hands of eligible children each month—and how our community can keep that promise growing.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was built on a simple but meaningful belief: books can open doors. Through local partners such as the Potter County Education Council, enrolled children from birth through age five receive an age-appropriate book in the mail each month at no cost to their families. That monthly delivery can become a cherished routine, creating opportunities for children and caring adults to read, talk, imagine, and learn together.

Join Us for Give Like Dolly Day

Our Give Like Dolly Day Open House will take place on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Potter County Education Council office, located at 5 Water Street in Coudersport, Pennsylvania.

This gathering is a chance to celebrate early literacy, connect with others who care about local children, and discover practical ways to support the program. Whether you are a parent of a young child, a grandparent, an educator, a business owner, or simply someone who believes in the power of reading, we hope you will stop by.

Why Early Literacy Matters

Reading with young children supports far more than learning letters and words. It helps build language skills, encourages curiosity, strengthens family bonds, and introduces children to new ideas and experiences. A book shared before bedtime, during a quiet afternoon, or on a busy morning can become a moment of connection that children remember.

For families in rural communities, having books arrive directly at home can be especially meaningful. The anticipation of checking the mailbox and finding a new story creates excitement around reading. Over time, those books can help create a home library that children can return to again and again.

The Potter County Education Council is proud to serve as an Imagination Library Champion in rural northern Pennsylvania. Our work reflects a larger commitment to community education, lifelong learning, and practical resources that help residents thrive at every stage of life.

Who Can Enroll?

Eligible children may be enrolled from birth until age five, with the final book arriving during the month they turn five. Families who live within participating school districts can register their young children to receive a free book each month.

Participating districts include Austin Area, Coudersport Area, Galeton Area, Northern Potter, Northern Tioga, Oswayo Valley, Port Allegany, Smethport Area, and Wellsboro Area school districts. Availability is based on the child’s home address and local program coverage.

Parents and legal guardians can begin by visiting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and selecting the option to check whether their child can be registered. Families who have questions or need help completing enrollment are welcome to contact the Potter County Education Council at 814-274-4877.

How Local Support Makes Free Books Possible

Although there is no cost to participating families, every monthly book delivery is made possible through the combined support of the Dollywood Foundation and local program partners. Community donations, sponsors, foundations, businesses, and caring individuals help cover the cost of books and mailing them to children in our area.

That is why local support matters so much. A contribution of any size helps the Potter County Education Council continue bringing books to children and expanding access to early-literacy resources. When a community invests in children’s learning, it invests in the future of the entire region.

Donations also help sustain the broader work of the Potter County Education Council, including educational programs and resources for learners of all ages. From youth leadership and career exploration to adult enrichment and senior-focused initiatives, our programs are designed to meet people where they are and help them move forward.

Three Ways You Can Help Share the Dream

There are several meaningful ways to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library locally:

• Enroll an eligible child. If there is a young child in your family or neighborhood, help make sure their parent or guardian knows about this opportunity.
• Make a local donation. Every dollar raised locally helps bring books to children in our participating communities.
• Spread the word. Share the program with friends, local businesses, faith communities, childcare providers, and families who may benefit.

Sometimes the first step is simply telling someone that help is available. A quick conversation, a shared post, or an invitation to our open house can connect a child with books that inspire a lifelong love of reading.

A Community That Reads Together Grows Together

At the Potter County Education Council, we believe educational opportunities should be accessible, welcoming, and rooted in the needs of our local communities. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is one powerful way we can support children and families during the important early years of learning.

We invite you to join us on September 25 as we celebrate the joy of books and the local partnerships that make this program possible. Together, we can help more children build home libraries, discover new stories, and begin their educational journeys with confidence.

FAQ

What is Give Like Dolly Day?

Give Like Dolly Day is a day of celebration and community support for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and its mission to help children develop a love of reading. Our local open house is an opportunity to learn about enrollment, connect with the Potter County Education Council, and discover ways to support early literacy.

When and where is the open house?

The Give Like Dolly Day Open House is Friday, September 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Potter County Education Council office, 5 Water Street, Coudersport, PA 16915.

How much does the Imagination Library cost families?

Eligible children receive books at no cost to their families. The program is supported through the partnership of the Dollywood Foundation and local organizations, donors, sponsors, and community members.

What ages are eligible for the program?

Children may be enrolled from birth through age five. The final book is delivered during the month the child turns five.

How can I support the Potter County Education Council?

You can attend the open house, share program information with local families, become a sponsor, or make a donation. To learn more, call 814-274-4877 or visit the Potter County Education Council website.