Local Events Spotlight Dolly Parton in Support of Imagination Library

The Allen County Public Library is inviting the community to celebrate the power of books and support young readers through two upcoming events raising awareness of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Allen County. The events will give community members opportunities to learn more about the program, connect with library staff, enroll children, and support the effort to put free books into the hands of local children.

First, the Club Room at the Clyde (1808 Bluffton Rd, Fort Wayne) will spotlight the program during a very special Nashville Thursday at Club Room at the Clyde honoring the music and legacy of Dolly Parton with music & dancing featuring Indy Annies from 7 to 10 p.m.

Cinema Center (437 E Berry St, Fort Wayne) will also host a special screening of "Steel Magnolias" starring Dolly Parton on Saturday, August 29 at 1 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their finest rhinestones and, in the spirit of Dolly, make a donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. General admission tickets are $12 and can be purchased online at cinemacenter.org. An encore screening will take place Sunday, August 30 at 2 p.m.

At both events, ACPL Executive Director Susan P. Baier, as well as other library representatives, will be on site to answer questions about the Imagination Library, help families sign eligible children up for the program, and accept donations.

“We are grateful for opportunities like these where our community partners invite us to engage with their patrons about the Imagination Library,” said Susan P. Baier, Executive Director of the Allen County Public Library. “The success of the program is a testament to what can happen when a community comes together around its children. People and organizations across Allen County have embraced this program and rallied around the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to grow up surrounded by books."

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Allen County launched in late 2024 as a signature program of the ACPL Foundation. It has served more than 11,000 eligible local children with a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book delivered to their home every month. The program helps families build home libraries while encouraging a love of reading and supporting early literacy. 

According to Baier, the financial support of the ACPL Foundation, local businesses and organizations, and many individual donors has been critical to the program's success: "Allen County's enthusiasm, generosity, and commitment have helped make the Imagination Library a true community success story—and we’re incredibly grateful for everyone who continues to invest in the next generation of readers.”

Community members can support the program in several ways: enroll an eligible child, tell a family about the program, or make a donation to help provide books to more local children.

For more information about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Allen County, visit www.acpl.info/imaginationlibrary.