Follett Content and United Way of Greater McHenry County Raise More Than $30,000 to Support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

McHenry, Ill., 09/29/2026 – Follett Content and United Way of Greater McHenry County today announced that their annual book sale fundraiser generated $30,772 to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free monthly books to children from birth to age five. The total more than doubled last year’s fundraising amount of $13,103 and exceeded this year’s goal of $15,000.

The fundraising total includes proceeds from Follett Content’s public book sale, team member presale, raffle basket fundraiser, and donations from employee bookstore Edythe’s Book Nook. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to United Way of Greater McHenry County’s Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Program to help provide free books to local children.

The September 26 public book sale welcomed 1,468 shoppers, who purchased 48,922 books during the one-day event. Combined with the employee presale, more than 50,500 books found new homes while helping support early childhood literacy throughout McHenry County. 

“What an exciting way to have a meaningful impact on the community which has been so good to us,” said Britten Follett, CEO of Follett Content. “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.”

The full $30,772 donation will help United Way of Greater McHenry County continue expanding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library locally, where participation in the program has continued to grow in recent years. Jamie Maravich, President and CEO of United Way of Greater McHenry County, said support from community partners is critical to meeting that growing need. 

“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 Maravich. “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.”

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides children with free, high-quality, age-appropriate books each month from birth through age five, regardless of family income. Through its partnership with United Way of Greater McHenry County, the program helps expand access to books and encourages early literacy development for local children.

The 2026 fundraising effort featured several milestones, including a record turnout at the public book sale and the introduction of a raffle basket fundraiser that further increased community support for the program.

“When we calculated the grand total, I nearly fell out of my chair,” said Follett. “I knew we had raised a significant amount 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 and support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Seeing our community rally around this cause, knowing that these funds will help children build strong foundations for learning and success, makes this event incredibly meaningful.”

Follett Content and United Way of Greater McHenry County expressed gratitude to the volunteers, employees, donors, shoppers, and community partners whose support made this year’s record-breaking results possible.

About Follett Content Solutions | follettcontent.com

Serving books and resources to schools and public libraries for 150 years. We empower school librarians, teachers and public librarians with access to expertly curated print and digital content, educational resources, Makerspace and hands-on learning materials and collection management solutions through our industry-leading platform, Titlewave®.  Since our founding in 1873, the Follett name inspires learning, literacy, and community engagement. 

About United Way of Greater McHenry County | uwmchenry.org

Since 1966, United Way of Greater McHenry County has been mobilizing the caring power of community so that all can thrive. Exclusively focused on meeting the needs of McHenry County, dollars raised are invested in local programs that improve lives and strengthen our community. Donations to continue Dolly’s legacy and to help serve more people in McHenry County can be made at uwmchenry.org/donate. 

Pictured L to R: Moira Johnson (Follett Content); Megan Wangall (UW); Britten Follett (Follett Content); Jamie Maravich (UW); and Sarah Fisher (Follett Content)