Families attending the 2026 Illinois State Fair will have the opportunity to celebrate reading through a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that provides free books to young children. The Illinois State Fair and the Imagination Library will host daily story time sessions at 2 p.m. inside the Sensory Station in the Emmerson Building throughout the fair, which runs Aug. 13-23 in Springfield. The free story time events are designed to give children and their families a chance to cool off, enjoy a book, and learn more about the nationally recognized literacy program.
State Director Andi Drileck said the Imagination Library helps children develop stronger early literacy skills and prepares them for kindergarten while encouraging a lifelong love of reading.
Founded by The Dollywood Foundation, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library mails free, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth through age five, regardless of family income. Since its launch in 1995, the program has grown into the world’s largest early childhood book-gifting initiative, distributing more than 3 million books each month.
Parents can check whether the program is available in their community, enroll eligible children, or sign up for updates by visiting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library website.
The 2026 Illinois State Fair runs Aug. 13 through Aug. 23 in Springfield.