In collaboration with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the Illinois State Fair is promoting early childhood literacy through the gift of books. This inspiring book gifting program mails free, high-quality, and age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, regardless of the family’s income.  In celebration of this partnership, families are invited to enjoy a daily story time session at 2 p.m. inside the Sensory Station (Emmerson Building) during the Illinois State Fair. Story time allows parents, grandparents and caregivers to come out and learn more about the organization’s contributions to literacy, music and creativity. Supported by The Dollywood Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Dolly Parton in 1988, the Imagination Library Program has grown into the world’s leading early childhood book-gifting initiative. To check to see if a program is available in your area, visit the ‘find my program’ page on www.imaginationlibrary.com. Mark your calendars for the 2026 Illinois State Fair, August 13 through August 23 in Springfield.