In a move that strengthens early literacy for families across the southern Willamette Valley, the three local Imagination Library programs—formerly run separately by the Eugene Public Library Foundation, Springfield Young Readers and United Way Lane County—have combined into a single countywide effort. The new structure, administered by United Way Lane County, eliminates the need for families to re‑enroll when they move between communities.
Countywide reach and no income requirement
Julia McMorran, the inaugural executive director of the countywide program, emphasized that the service is now truly universal. “There’s no income requirement. This is for every child in Lane County,” she said. The program delivers a free, age‑appropriate book to each child under five every month, arriving directly at the family’s doorstep.
According to recent census data, Imagination Library already serves about 8,000 children each month—more than half of the roughly 14,000 children under five who live in Lane County. The merger is expected to boost those numbers by simplifying enrollment and expanding outreach to the 25 rural communities the program now covers, from Cottage Grove to Junction City to Oakridge.
Why the consolidation matters
Before the merger, families who moved between the three service areas had to be unenrolled from one program and re‑enrolled in another, a process many busy parents missed. Additionally, the volunteer‑run programs lacked the capacity to handle logistical challenges such as retrieving undelivered books from the post office.
Alma Hesus, president and CEO of United Way Lane County, explained the operational benefits: “The capacity wasn’t there for us to focus on all the pieces that go into the program, like picking up books that didn’t make it to the home or were returned.” By pooling funding and staff under a single administrative home, the program can now address those gaps more efficiently.
Volunteer network and bilingual options
The expanded program relies on a network of volunteers from local nonprofits, churches and community groups. Volunteers help set up tabling events and book drop‑offs at food pantries, pediatrician offices, shelters and other hubs, ensuring that children without a permanent address still receive books.
All books are offered in bilingual English‑Spanish editions, and about 450 Lane County children are currently registered for the bilingual option. Imagination Library also provides braille and audiobook formats for children with visual impairments.
Support from the Dollywood Foundation and state backing
Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Foundation supplies the program’s national infrastructure, handling the recipient database, negotiating bulk mailing rates with the U.S. Postal Service and securing reduced printing costs. In 2024, Oregon codified Imagination Library as a permanent state‑backed initiative, with the state covering half of the book costs and local nonprofits, foundations and donors covering the remainder.
“I think Dolly would be really proud of us,” said Dana Fleming, executive director of the Eugene Public Library Foundation. “She would be tickled that we are working together and doing as much as we can to get books into kids’ hands.”
Looking ahead
McMorran, the program’s sole employee, is personally reaching out to families to confirm enrollment and address any gaps. “If we can do anything to get them the books, then we’re going to do that,” she affirmed.
United Way Lane County hopes the unified effort will break generational cycles of literacy challenges, giving every child a solid foundation for school success and, ultimately, a brighter future.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
