Angela Caputo – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Angela Caputo, a Ward 3 Councillor, tells the story of how Dolly Parton, Sault Ste. Marie, and reading books have all come together.

The City of Sault Ste. Marie launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, a global initiative designed to foster a love of reading among young children. The program offers free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, aiming to ignite a lifelong passion for reading and learning. Developing early literacy skills is critical for success in school and building a strong bond with your child that will last a lifetime. This goes beyond just receiving books; it entails investing your time in your child’s growth.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library puts books into the hands and hearts of children across the world. These books are personalized with each child’s name and mailed directly to their home to create a gifting experience that makes books exciting and encourages families to spend time enjoying books together. Best of all, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is available to all children at no cost to the family.

To be eligible for the program, children must meet the following criteria:

• Be between the ages of birth and five years old.
• Live in the City of Sault Ste. Marie.
• Be registered by a responsible adult, such as a parent or guardian.

Families in Sault Ste. Marie can enroll their children to receive free books by visiting the official registration page.

The success of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the community relies on the support of local donors. The cost per child is $46 per year and with 3,040 children eligible in Sault Ste. Marie, spots are limited based on the amount of funding received. In its pilot year, it is hoped that additional sponsors or individuals will support the growth of the program so that every child in Sault Ste. Marie has the opportunity to develop a love of reading. To donate visit the Canada Helps donation page.

This initiative is supported by the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie, Kiwanis Club of Sault Ste. Marie, the Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie and Avery Construction Ltd.

Visit: saultstemarie.ca/Dolly-Parton-Imagination-Library

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Dr. Seuss, “I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!”