Libraries across Hamilton County are joining the first-ever Give Like Dolly Day on Friday, Sept. 25, a worldwide effort created by the Dollywood Foundation to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library programs.

Locally, the money goes to the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Fund at the Hamilton County Community Foundation. Organizers say every gift stays in Hamilton County and pays for free, high-quality books mailed to local children from birth to age 5.

“Dolly dreamed it, but local communities make it possible,” said Sheryl Sollars, executive director of the Westfield Washington Public Library. “Give Like Dolly Day gives Hamilton County residents a meaningful way to honor her legacy and lifelong commitment to children and literacy.”

Fishers families take part through the Hamilton East Public Library, one of the county library systems backing the campaign.

“Dolly Parton showed us what can happen when you put a book into a child’s hands and give their imagination room to grow,” said Melissa Loiselle, library director for the Hamilton East Public Library. “Our hope is that Hamilton County will help us carry that vision forward for many years to come.”

The local Imagination Library is not running on fumes. It is funded through July 2028 with support from the Hamilton County Council, the State of Indiana and the CenterPoint Energy Foundation. Friday’s push is aimed at extending that runway.

To make the case for small donations, organizers offer this math: if every household in Hamilton County gave just $9.25 on Sept. 25 — a nod to the date — the total would fund the program for roughly four more years.

The Imagination Library mails one free, age-appropriate book each month to every enrolled child, from birth until the child’s fifth birthday, regardless of family income.

Contributions made through the Hamilton County Community Foundation are tax-deductible. Residents can donate at hamiltoncountycf.org.