Arts Holding Hands and Hearts, Inc. (AHHAH) has announced that the Greater Coatesville Imagination Library, a local affiliate of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library formed last year, is expanding to serve all of Chester County. Thanks to a generous donation from the Justamere Foundation and partnership with the Kennett Library, AHHAH is very excited to build on their success from the last year to serve even more preschool-aged children in Chester County.  

As a local affiliate of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the Greater Coatesville (and now Chester County) Imagination Library program provides one free, high-quality, age-appropriate book each month to children from birth to age five in Chester County. These books are mailed directly to children’s homes and include instructions and tips for parents to make the most of reading together as a family.  

In less than one year, AHHAH registered more than 650 preschool-aged children living in Coatesville to receive a free book each month, a full six months ahead of projected enrollment. Through the many community partnerships and relationships AHHAH and the Kennett Library have developed, there is no doubt that Chester County enrollment numbers will exceed expectations as well. The Chester County Imagination Library is a community funded program. Books are able to be provided to children through donations from foundations, corporations, and individuals like you. A $30 donation provides one year of free books for a Chester County child.  

“Literacy is a lifelong journey that leads to success in all phases of life. The Imagination Library provides that initial spark for life’s journey,” said Chris Manna, Executive Director of the Kennett Library.  

The goal through this program is to increase literacy levels for preschool age children living in Chester County, to provide opportunities for positive family experiences and engagement, and to foster a love of reading in the Chester County community. By the end of its first year serving all of Chester County, AHHAH hopes to register more than 4,000 children for the program. 

To register a child, share the program with an eligible family, or to support the Chester County Imagination Library, visit ahhah.org/ccil.