Childhood Literacy Starts With You

For nearly two decades, United Way of Southeast Minnesota has been operating your local Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to provide free, age-appropriate books to children ages 0-5 each month. Our goal is simple: to foster early literacy and a love of reading by providing every child access to books, regardless of economic status.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, we have given away over 400,000 books since 2014. But, with rising costs each year, we need your help. 

Last year, we distributed 42,000 free books to 3,500 Olmsted County children. Please help us keep this program in our community by making a gift today! Our goal is to raise $50,000 by April 30 to keep spreading the joy of reading.

Join us in the United Way Services Building parking lot on Sunday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a fun-filled celebration of books, stories, and imagination! This special event is FREE and designed for little readers and their families.

There will be free books from the Imagination Library prgram, a book exchange where you can bring a book to donate and find a new favorite to take home, and other activities and surprises.

We will be accepting donations to support the Imagination Library program at this event.