In April 2025, KCNI/KBBN radio and Sandhills Express reported on an Arnold junior, Eli Rogers, who spearheaded making Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library available to children in Custer County several years ago and now has his sights set higher. He wants to bring the gift of reading to the entire state of Nebraska.
Launched in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a free book gifting program that mails high-quality, age-appropriate books monthly to children ages 0 to 5. The first book order in its history was just over 1,700. Today, more than one million monthly books are delivered to children worldwide.
Rogers said that since launching the Nebraska Early Reading Development program in Custer County with the help of the Arnold Community Foundation, enrollment has grown to 227 children. The counties of McPherson, Hooker, Thomas, Logan, and Blaine have now also joined the program. The growth has been exciting, and Rogers wants more children across the state to benefit.
“Not every county has an affiliate that does fundraisers to pay for the mailing expenses. Some states have gone statewide, and the government gives an annual amount, but Nebraska has not done that.. yet. That is our mission!” Rogers explained.
Right now, Rogers said his mission is to keep fundraising to keep the local program going while continuing his effort to expand in the state. A Donation Drive is being held at the Grocery Kart in Broken Bow through Tuesday, May 13th. Your donations are appreciated.
Those wishing to donate to the Custer County program can also send checks to:
NERDs
PO Box 302
Arnold, NE 69120
Donations can also be made by clicking the ‘donate’ button on ImaginationLibrary.com and choosing to designate the donation to a specific affiliate.
