State Grant Expands access to books through United Way

United Way of the Greater Capital Region to expand Dolly Parton's Imagination Library with $100,000 state grant awarded by Assemblyman Phil Steck


ALBANY, NY | August 13, 2025 — United Way of the Greater Capital Region  has received a significant boost in its mission to foster early childhood literacy, thanks to a $100,000 state grant secured by Assemblymember Phil Steck. The funding will help expand the reach of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that delivers free books each month to children from birth to age five.

Assemblymember Steck presented the ceremonial check at The Blake Annex in downtown Albany, where UWGCR President and CEO Peter Gannon accepted the grant.

Phil Steck Check Presentation

Growing Access to Books for Local Families


The Imagination Library launched locally in May 2024, with the first books arriving in mailboxes that July. Since then, it has enrolled more than 11,000 children served each month across the nine counties UWGCR supports, with over 13,000 children enrolled in its inaugural year.

The new funding will help cover the costs of book distribution, targeted outreach, and operational support—particularly in high-density ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) communities. It will also enable UWGCR to proactively enroll more families and close literacy gaps in areas where access to books is limited.

 

Brian Sano delivers remarks
Tershia Ellis
Peter Gannon, President and CEO

Investing in Early Literacy

“Investing in early childhood literacy is one of the smartest things we can do for the future of our communities,” said Assemblymember Steck. “This program ensures that thousands of children, regardless of their family’s financial situation, are exposed to reading at a young age, setting them up for success in school and in life. I’m proud to help support the incredible work United Way is doing to put books into the hands of kids across our region.”

Currently, UWGCR estimates the cost of delivering books to all enrolled children at approximately $350,000 annually. With this grant, the organization can grow the program more aggressively and ensure equitable access for families who might otherwise miss out.

Unlocking Every Child’s Potential


“Developing a lifelong love of reading can be a catalyst for future success,” said Peter Gannon. “Yet access to books remains out of reach for too many Capital Region families. Through this partnership with the Imagination Library and the support of Assemblymember Phil Steck, United Way is poised to expand enrollment and is committed to developing additional support for families to unlock every child’s potential—no matter what.”