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 families with children under 5 years old can enroll in the program to receive free monthly books by submitting this 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.
8/31/26 UPDATE: We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Dolly Parton. Her legacy will certainly live on through her charitable contributions, and we are honored to help continue that through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Book Program. In just our first week of being part of the program, we had more than 300 children sign up for free books!
Please note that ALL children living in Rome, from birth to age 4, are eligible to register for the program, not just those attending the Rome City School District. Rome families can register for the program by submitting this Google Form.