Sometimes, a community exceeds every expectation.

When Follett Content began planning its 2026 book sales, the goal was ambitious: Raise $15,000 to support United Way of Greater McHenry County’s Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program. By the end of the fundraising effort, that goal had been shattered.

Thanks to the generosity of local families, educators, librarians, readers, volunteers, and Follett Content employees, this year’s book sales, raffle fundraiser, and Edythe’s Book Nook donations generated an incredible $30,772 for early childhood literacy programs in McHenry County, more than doubling last year’s total of $13,103.

A Line Formed Before Sunrise

The excitement surrounding this year’s sale was evident long before the doors opened.

The first shoppers, a parent and child, arrived shortly before 6am, eager to browse the selection ahead of the 8am opening. By the end of the day, 1,468 community members had attended the public sale, nearly tripling last year’s attendance – and that mother and son had purchased more than 50 books.

Shoppers browsed hundreds of boxes laid out in the aisles of the McHenry, Illinois warehouse packed with children’s books, young adult titles, fiction, nonfiction, giant format books, and more. Together, they purchased an astonishing 48,922 books during the one-day event. Combined with the employee presale, more than 50,500 books found new homes, helping to support literacy while giving books a second life with new readers.

For an organization whose mission centers on connecting books and readers, it was a powerful sight.

“What an exciting way to have a meaningful impact on the community which has been so good to us,” said Britten Follett, CEO. “Our mission is to get books into the hands of readers, and this book sale brought that mission to life in ways I never imagined. Seeing so many teachers, librarians, and community members' excitement about books truly warmed my heart.”

More Than a Book Sale

While the public sale served as the centerpiece of the fundraising effort, community support came from several directions.

The Follett Content employee presale generated $830, while the company introduced a first-ever raffle basket fundraiser that raised $3,855. Additional support came from August and September purchases through their employee bookstore, Edythe’s Book Nook, which contributed $1,626 toward the cause.

Together, those efforts helped transform an already successful event into a record-breaking one.

Supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

All proceeds benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through United Way of Greater McHenry County.

The internationally recognized literacy program mails free, high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth to age five, regardless of family income. The program helps families build home libraries, supports reading readiness, and encourages a lifelong love of books and learning.

The need continues to grow locally.

According to United Way of Greater McHenry County, more than 5,000 children throughout McHenry County are currently enrolled in the program, with more than 1,000 new enrollments since Dolly Parton’s August 2026 passing.

“Since Dolly’s passing, we’ve seen more than 1,000 new children sign up for the Imagination Library, and we now serve over 5,000 children across McHenry County, about a third of those eligible," said Jamie Maravich, president and CEO of United Way of Greater McHenry County. “It’s support from partners like Follett Content that makes it possible to keep putting books in the hands of these kids and to carry Dolly's legacy forward right here in our community.”

A Community Effort Worth Celebrating

Perhaps the most remarkable part of this year’s success wasn't the amount raised, but the number of people who came together to make it possible.

Volunteers sorted books, moved boxes, and assisted shoppers. Community members spread the word, purchased raffle tickets, and filled carts with books for schools, classrooms, libraries, and homes.

When the final fundraising totals were calculated, even the organizers were surprised!

“When we calculated the grand total, I nearly fell out of my chair,” Follett said. “I knew we raised a lot based on the crowds and the number of boxes and carts we helped load into people’s cars. But I’m thrilled so many people came out to build their school, classroom, and home libraries while supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Seeing our community rally around this cause, knowing these funds will help children build strong foundations for learning and success, makes this event incredibly meaningful.”

Thank You

To everyone who attended the sale, purchased books, volunteered, donated raffle items, purchased raffle tickets, shared event information, or supported the fundraiser in any way: thank you.

Because of your generosity, more than 50,500 books found new homes and $30,772 will help provide books to thousands of local children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

That’s a story and a community impact worth celebrating!