The Rome City School District (CSD) is pleased to announce its selection as a recipient of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Book Program, made possible through the Oneida County Youth Investment Initiative.

The successful funding request was developed and submitted on behalf of the school district by The Genesis Group in partnership with Perch Place.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a dedicated early childhood literacy program designed to foster a love of reading and strengthen family bonds. Through the program, enrolled children from birth through age five receive a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book mailed directly to their home each month, regardless of family income.

By delivering books directly to households, the initiative encourages parents and caregivers to read, ask questions, and actively engage with their young children during critical early developmental years, laying a strong foundation for future academic success.

"Early literacy is one of the most powerful predictors of long-term academic achievement," said Dana Benzo, Rome CSD Director of Elementary Programs. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of The Genesis Group, Perch Place, and the support of the Oneida County Youth Investment Initiative, this program will help us put books directly into the hands of our community's youngest learners before they even step foot into a classroom."

Rome CSD families with children under 5 years old can enroll in the program to receive free monthly books by submitting this RCSD Google Form.

About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Since its founding in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program. The program has gifted hundreds of millions of free books to children worldwide, inspired by Dolly Parton's desire to foster a love of reading among preschool children and their families.