Helping Build Brighter Futures – One Book at a Time

The Junior League of the Roanoke Valley (JLRV) is proud to support One Thousand Bright Futures, a community-wide initiative focused on expanding access to books and strengthening early childhood literacy across the Roanoke Valley.

Through this initiative, the JLRV has partnered with Roanoke City Public Schools, Roanoke County, Vinton Baptist Church, E3: Elevate Early Education, and other community organizations to connect local families with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

What is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a globally recognized book gifting program that provides children from birth until their fifth birthday with one free, age-appropriate book each month, delivered directly to their home and personally addressed to them.

Children enrolled from birth can build a personal library of up to 60 books before they enter kindergarten.

The program is completely free to participating families.

Why Early Literacy Matters

A love of reading begins long before a child enters a classroom.

Access to books during a child’s earliest years helps build language, literacy, curiosity, and critical learning skills that support long-term academic success. Early literacy also strengthens family connections by encouraging shared reading experiences at home.

Nearly 11,000 children under age five live in Roanoke City and Roanoke County, and access to books can make a meaningful difference in their educational journey.

Why JLRV Is Involved

For nearly 100 years, the JLRV has invested in initiatives that strengthen families, develop leaders, and create lasting community impact.

The desire to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to families in the Roanoke Valley was clear, and to support this endeavor, the JLRV stepped in alongside community partners to help coordinate efforts, build momentum, and turn that vision into action. By bringing people together the JLRV is able to address community needs, which is central to the League’s mission!

The Next Chapter of One Thousand Bright Futures

What began as a goal to enroll 1,000 local children quickly became something much bigger.

The overwhelming response from families demonstrated a clear and urgent need for expanded access to books and early literacy resources across our community.

The next chapter of One Thousand Bright Futures focuses on sustaining and growing this momentum so that even more children can benefit from the program.

How You Can Help

Enroll a Child! If you know a child under the age of five in Roanoke City or County, find out how to sign up for the library here: Check Availability – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library 

Community members, businesses, and philanthropic partners can also help sustain and expand the program through charitable giving. Contact Claire Mitzel, CMitzel@rcps.info, for Imagination Library of Roanoke City or Heather Balsley, imaginationlibraryroco@gmail.com for Imagination Library of Roanoke County.

Spread the Word

Help us reach more families by sharing this opportunity with parents, caregivers, schools, churches, and community organizations. Send an email to info@jlrv.org for more information on newsletter content or program information. 

Together, we can help create brighter futures – one book, one child, and one family at a time!