Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Arrives in West Chicago

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has arrived in West Chicago!

As a child, I received picture books in the mail each month through the Sweet Pickles Readers program. Each book focused on an animal character from the town of Sweet Pickles; one for each letter of the alphabet, each with its own struggle or issue. I related to those characters. They taught me lessons on making friends, overcoming adversity, and so much more. I specifically recall exploring the map of Sweet Pickles at the end of each book (check it out below) to see where my favorite characters lived, where they played, how far they had to travel to get where they were going. Most of all, it was empowering to know that these books were for me. My own little collection of literary joy delivered to my front door in a little green school bus.

The Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) has delivered similar joy to kids for over thirty years. Now, with funding from the State of Illinois, the Dollywood Foundation, and local community partners, DPIL has arrived in West Chicago and all over DuPage County. On April 18th, in partnership with WeGo Together for Kids, West Chicago Public Library hosted a kickoff party and read-aloud event to celebrate its launch. This special program gives each child the opportunity to receive a free book by mail every month for the first five years of life! At the launch party, families enjoyed a story time introduction by library staff with song and movement activities, a read-aloud from State Senator Karina Villa, and cupcake treats provided by Raised Bakery. WGTK staff explained the program, registered patrons, and took pictures with a cardboard cutout of Dolly herself. Afterwards, kids were provided ‘Dolly themed’ coloring bookmarks to create.

Quotes from others who also helped make this program possible in West Chicago highlight its impact:

Benjamin Weseloh, Director of the West Chicago Public Library District, shared:

“We are excited to have the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in West Chicago which provides young children monthly books that families can use to read, learn, and grow together.”

Andi Drileck, State Director, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Illinois, shared:

“I am thrilled that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is now available to all children from birth to age five in West Chicago. Molly Beck Dean worked hard for over a year to make this happen, and it's exciting to see it come to life. Already, nearly 200 children are enrolled and that number continues to grow each day thanks to strong community outreach and the leadership of the West Chicago Public Library and WeGo Together For Kids. Our mission is to inspire a love of reading and its impact lasts a lifetime.”

It’s hard to overestimate just how impactful a program offering 60 free books to children can be. Check out this PBS video created nearly a decade ago on DPIL’s milestone delivering a million books per month. My memories of Sweet Pickles have lasted a lifetime and I hope this experience touches children’s lives throughout the community for years to come. Thank you to WGTK for coordinating this incredible opportunity!

To learn more or sign up, families can visit our Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library page on the WeGo Together for Kids website to get started.

Story contributed by Luke Sutton, Youth Services Manager at West Chicago Public Library District.

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