FORT WAYNE, Indiana – The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) Foundation is rallying the community to honor Dolly Parton’s commitment to early literacy with the inaugural Give Like Dolly Day on Sept. 25. The celebration aligns with the popular song and film “9 to 5,” underscoring the library’s partnership with Parton’s Imagination Library program.
Imagination Library milestones
Since the program’s launch in late 2024, the Allen County Public Library Foundation has served as the local partner for the Imagination Library, delivering a free, age‑appropriate book each month to enrolled children from birth through age five. More than 12,000 Allen County children have already benefited from the initiative.
Community support and donations
The Surack Family Foundation recently contributed $10,000 to bolster the local Imagination Library effort. Early supporters Chuck and Lisa Surack helped bring the program to Allen County, demonstrating the power of private philanthropy in advancing family‑focused education.
Give Like Dolly Day events
On Sept. 25, ACPL will host Dolly‑themed storytimes at the Main Library at 10:00 a.m. and at the Georgetown Branch at 10:15 a.m. Throughout the day, Dolly‑themed displays and activities will be set up at the Main Library and at the Aboite, Dupont, Georgetown, Grabill, Hessen Cassel, Little Turtle, New Haven, Pontiac, Tecumseh and Woodburn branches.
Additional community recognitions include a proclamation expected from Allen County commissioners during their legislative session and a letter of support from Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker. The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum will feature Dolly‑themed messages on its marquee, while Purdue Fort Wayne’s Parker Cole Crossing bridge over Coliseum Boulevard will be illuminated pink that evening.
How residents can help
Families and supporters are encouraged to learn more about the Imagination Library program and to consider donations at acpl.info/imaginationlibrary. Contributions help ensure that every child in Allen County receives a new book each month, fostering a lifelong love of reading.
Give Like Dolly Day reflects a broader community commitment to early childhood education, family values and the joy of reading. By celebrating Dolly Parton’s philanthropic spirit, Fort Wayne residents are reinforcing the importance of nurturing young minds in a supportive, faith‑centered environment.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
