STEUBENVILLE — The United Way of Jefferson County serves as the local program partner for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ohio.

According to United Way Executive Director Laura Rauch, the nonprofit organization represents the program locally, and is working to increase its awareness to local residents in order to enroll as many children as possible.

This special book-gifting program allows children between the ages of newborn to 5 years of age, to receive a new book every month through the mail.

There is no eligibility requirement to receive the books, according to Rauch, who noted the program affords all households having a child in this age range an opportunity to learn about having a love for reading.

Now, a partnership is being formed with the United Way, involving Trinity Health System.

“We are truly grateful for this partnership with Trinity Health System,” Rauch stated. “Together, we will continue to put books in the hands of children who are preparing for their educational journey. We are just thrilled to have this opportunity with Trinity Health System to contribute to early literacy of young people in Jefferson County. We are so grateful for their support in our community”.

Laurie Labishak, Trinity marketing director, stated, “At Trinity Health System, we understand that a healthy start in life extends far beyond physical well-being. We are incredibly proud to partner with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the United Way of Jefferson County and the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County, to foster a love of reading in our youngest community members.”

“By providing access to books from birth, we’re investing in their future, nurturing their imaginations and building a foundation for lifelong learning,” Labishak continued. “This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to the overall health and well-being of the families we serve.”

United Way Board President Ted Gorman said of the new partnership with Trinity, “As president of the United Way board of directors, I am thrilled to announce our partnership with Trinity Health System to support the imagination library.”

“This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering a love of reading in children and their families,” Gorman stated. “By providing access to books at an early age, we are opening doors to endless possibilities, helping to build a brighter future for our community — one page at a time.”

In addition to partnerships, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ohio provides a month’s match of one-half of the cost of the program, ensuring the program remains free to families. In Jefferson County, 2,124 children are enrolled and participating in the program. This totals 65 percent of the county’s eligible children who are between birth and 5 years of age.

Caregivers interested in signing up for the program can visit the website OhioImaginationLibrary.org.