06/25/2026
The local chapter of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is changing hands. Chapter founder and volunteer Main Coordinator, Amy Uthus, is stepping down effective July 1. Families First of Pella is rising to become the new stewards of this early childhood literacy program.
Under Uthus's guidance, the program has served over 1,100 individual children ages 0-5 across 10 zip codes in Marion County. As of 6/11/2026, Imagination Library has mailed out 20,349 books, completely free of charge to local families. The chapter was established in April 2023.
Uthus states:
"Getting a chapter of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library established in Marion County has been a dream come true. I love imagining all the kids' faces as they check their mailboxes for books from Dolly, and then engage in screen-free family time. I opened this chapter with just two zip codes. Because of devoted support from local businesses, foundations, and individual donors, I've been able to expand the program to ten zip codes. I truly appreciate everyone who's freely given of their time, talents, and finances to help this program grow and succeed here in Marion County."
New Main Coordinator, Adena Edgeton, states:
"We at Families First of Pella are honored to continue - and gradually expand - the Marion County Imagination Library! Our organization's core mission is to strengthen families, and one way we strive to accomplish this mission is through our early literacy efforts. Our new stewardship of the Marion County Imagination Library will enhance our ability to help local families build their home libraries, read quality books together, and bond as parents and children.
I have personally enjoyed the Imagination Library through my own childrens' participation over the years. It is a special experience for a child to receive a free quality book in the mail each month and immediately want to read it! I am honored to help children in Marion County experience this program's benefits. I am also excited to partner with current and new donors across the county to make this program a resounding success!"
Director of Families First of Pella, Allison Kerndt, states:
"We are proud to announce that Families First has assumed leadership of the local Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program! Part of our mission is to increase awareness around the importance of early literacy, and we are committed to supporting parents as their child’s first and most important teachers. Imagination Library of Marion County encourages a strong literacy foundation in the home by providing a free high-quality book, once a month, to registered children ages 0-5. Research shows that having books in the home and reading to young children is one of the best ways to prepare them for school and learning to read. We are excited to build on the incredible work already done in our community, and we look forward to partnering with local supporters, businesses, and organizations to ensure this valuable program continues to reach children throughout our area."
