Linn County hits 500,000 books gifted through Dolly Parton program
The United Way of East Central Iowa marks the milestone for the Imagination Library serving local children from birth to age five.

Cedar Rapids and Linn County families now share 500,000 reading moments after the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library reached that total of books delivered.
The local affiliate managed by the United Way of East Central Iowa sends one free, age-appropriate book each month to enrolled children regardless of family income.
Dolly Parton said, "When I was a little girl, I lived in the Great Smoky Mountains... I dreamed of being able to help all the children in the world. Imagination Library is helping me realize that dream."
The program began its local run through the Imagination Library site and continues to grow enrollment across the county.
The milestone was noted in 2026 with no confirmed details yet on the exact delivery date or recipient family.
Sources
- 1.Cedar Rapids Celebrates 500,000 Moments of Reading Thanks to Dolly Parton — 98.1 KHAK
- 2.Imagination Library - United Way of East Central Iowa — United Way of East Central Iowa
- 3.Linn County Imagination Library Affiliate Page — Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
This story was researched and drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by a human editor before publication. Read our Editorial Standards & AI Disclosure. Spot an error? Request a correction.
Linn County Conservation opens Pheasant Ridge Lodge for July 19 tour
Residents can preview the new 4,800-square-foot venue at Morgan Creek Park before reservations begin.
Linn county conservation to host open house for new wanatee park lodge
Residents can tour the facility at Wanatee Park and learn about its use for local gatherings.
Marion Arts Festival Empty Bowls fundraiser donates $9,077 to HACAP food program
The donation from the 2026 Empty Bowls sale will support HACAP's Food Reservoir Program, which distributes food across seven counties including Linn.
No tickets for Savannah Bananas games? Here are ways to still enjoy the fun in Cedar Rapids
The Savannah Bananas play at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Aug. 22-23, and The Gazette offers tips for fans without tickets, including watching from outside the stadium and attending watch parties.



