In Mercer County, at any given time, around 400 children are enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program facilitated by Mercer County Better Together. Each month, a brand-new book arrives in their mailbox, addressed to them.

For many families, that book is more than a story. It’s a moment of connection. It builds language and nurtures confidence. It marks the beginning of a lifelong love of reading.

This summer, area libraries are partnering with Mercer County Better Together for the “Reading Is a Gift” Readathon - a county-wide effort to celebrate literacy while raising funds to keep this program going, ensuring every enrolled child continues receiving books for the year ahead.

Each $25 donation sponsors one child for an entire year - 12 high-quality books delivered straight to their home.

Our goal is simple but powerful:
400 children fully sponsored.

When you give, you’re not just supporting a program, you're placing books into little hands. You're putting ideas, language, and possibility into young minds. But it doesn't end there. With each gift, you're strengthening families, and investing in the future of Mercer County.

Help us make sure that in our community, reading remains the gift that it is.

"Reading Is A Gift" Readathon

Fundraiser to benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Mercer County

Team Leaderboard

Library Teams