Valley Children’s Champions Early Literacy Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
When Valley Children’s pledged $50,000 to help launch Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Fresno County, it wasn’t just a donation; it was an investment in the future health and well-being of thousands of children.
The Guilds Center for Community Health, created to impact kids where they live, learn and play, saw the program as a perfect fit for its mission.
“We understand that there is so much more to health than what happens inside the hospital walls, and that’s where the Guild Center for Community Health wants to play an even bigger role. We want to address the 80% to 90% of factors that influence health before you get to the doctor’s office,” said Dr. Carmela Sosa, medical director of the Guilds Center for Community Health.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails a free book every month to children from birth until age 5, ensuring families have access to early literacy resources regardless of income. The program, which began in Parton’s home of East Tennessee, has grown into a global movement, and now, thanks to Valley Children’s and other partners, it’s available to every child under 5 in Fresno County.
“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library could not have happened in Fresno County had it not been for big champions like Valley Children’s and many others that stepped in,” said Fabiola González, executive director of First 5 Fresno County.
Launching the program required raising $800,000. Through Senate Bill 1183, authored by State Senator Shannon Grove, California provided a 50% match, leaving $400,000 to be raised locally. City of Fresno Councilmember Tyler Maxwell announced a fundraising campaign in late 2024, and more than 90 donations poured in from businesses, organizations and individuals, including Valley Children’s.
“In Fresno County, more than 60% of third graders can’t read at grade level, and that has a significant impact throughout the child’s life. A lot of people think literacy starts in the classroom, but it starts at home,” said Maxwell.
As of July 2025, more than 8,000 Fresno County children are enrolled, with more than 20,000 books delivered: 20% to rural communities.
Families like Teresa Perez’s are already seeing results. “She was very happy because it came in her name. Her vocabulary has dramatically changed since she started reading new books. She’s learning new words and sounds, and it starts preparing her for school,” Perez said of her daughter.
The goal is ambitious: reach 43,000 children by 2030. For Valley Children’s, that means continuing to champion early literacy as a foundation for lifelong health.
“Early literacy is key. We have to support those greater efforts that improve our overall well-being. We’re really providing access to reading materials, early education and getting those kids ready for school,” said Dr. Sosa.