Union County Imagination Library hosted the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Regional Roundtable on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at the Luttrell Library Community Center. GELF is celebrating 20 years of promoting early literacy since its founding under Governor Phil Bredeson in 2004. Mayor Jerry Lawson of Luttrell warmly welcomed the group and shared some of the events to promote children's activities and how important Imagination Library is to Luttrell as well as his own family.

Representatives from Blount, Campbell, Grainger, Knox, Sevier, and Union counties attended and shared information on enrollment, fundraising, events, marketing, brands, and access to books. Heather Logan, East Tennessee Regional Program Manager for 47 counties, coordinated the meeting. Heather explained the role of the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) and that Imagination Library is one part of this program. Participants learned about the League of Extraordinary Teens, a group that recruits or raises funds for Imagination library and receives community service hours in return for their effort. An Imagination Library License Plate is another promotional fundraiser that returns money to the local chapter.

Representing Union County besides Mayor Lawson, were Sidney Jessee, Jr., Richard Phillips, Dr. Lauren Effler, Mandi Suddath, Michelle Faulkner, and Marilyn Toppins. Mr. Jessee explained his relationship regarding funding Imagination Library as a county commissioner and the importance of early reading as chairman of the Union County Library Board. He also noted that Luttrell Park has a Story Book Trail, which is another program under GELF and that he is working to expand the Leaders as Readers Program to promote early literacy. Mr. Phillips, Vice-Mayor of Plainview, related the experience of his grandchildren with books from Imagination Library and brought a donation from Plainview for the Union County chapter. Dr. Effler brought the Union County Book Bus, another part of GELF, coordinated tours and explained some of the events to promote early literacy in Union County. Mandi Suddath, Imagination Library data Clerk for Union County and a Maynarville Public Librarian, explained the role of the libraries in recruitment of children under 5 years old and the excitement of children who receive a library card at graduation from the program. Dr. Effler echoed this excitement for the K-3 Book Program. Michelle Faulkner represented Luttrell Library, which also works to recruit participants. Ms. Toppins explained the role of the Union County Heritage Festival Inc., the sponsoring and fiscal agent for Imagination Library in Union County.

Lunch was catered by Elizabeth Tindell of Tindell's Farmhouse Bakery. Participants raved about the chocolate chip celebration cake and took away fond memories and action items from the event.