As they stop at various locations in southern Illinois, the Read SI folks bring a life-sized cutout of Parton with them. People who live in the area can follow Dolly's journey to the Imagination Library's opening events through the Read SI Facebook page.

Read SI said the Dolly cutout symbolizes the excitement that books can bring to young readers. And during the launch, organizers will “flip the switch” on the Imagination Library registration portal on July 9, allowing all families in the area to register their children under 5.

In addition to helping families register, each location will also offer activities to celebrate reading and the doors it opens for children. Organizers said some of the activities planned include reading storybooks, crafts, dance parties and selfies with the Dolly cutout. Opening parties will be held in Carbondale, Cairo, Carterville and other cities.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library was founded in 1995 and has grown into a global initiative. The Dollywood Foundation handles tasks such as managing enrollments, coordinating shipping and negotiating wholesale prices for the books. The remaining costs of the program in the region are shared with the state of Illinois, according to Read SI. Read SI members raised the funds to launch the program, and the need for funds will increase as enrollment increases. Efforts to gain support from community members will continue as the program continues. The cost is $13.30 per child per year, according to Read SI.

Read SI said more than 70 individuals, organizations and businesses made contributions that made the launch possible because they recognized how important early literacy instruction is to a child's later school success. Major donors included Legende Bank and Walmart in Carbondale. Other donors included Fager-McGee Construction; First Bank & Trust of Murphysboro; John A. Logan College Foundation; Oliver and Associates; Southern Illinois Healthcare; Walmart stores in Marion, Benton and Carni; and the Watermark Foundation.

Schools and child care programs also participate by sponsoring the enrollment of the children they serve in the Imagination Library, according to Read SI, including Kiddie Kollege in Fairfield and Rainbow Day Care in Eldorado.

“We are thrilled to bring the Imagination Library to Southern Illinois,” said Byram Fager, director of the Southern Illinois Community Foundation. “Dolly Parton's commitment to children's literacy is inspiring, and we are honored to launch this initiative in Southern Illinois. Every child deserves the opportunity to explore the world through books, and we believe the Imagination Library will play a critical role in fostering a lifelong love of reading.” The foundation is the financial agent for Read SI.

For more information about the Imagination Library and to enroll a child in Southern Illinois, visit Readsi.org.