Grant boosts Dolly Parton's literacy program in NWA

Driving the news: The Arkansas Imagination Library received the grant from the Arkansas Community Foundation, the organization announced Thursday.

How it works: The program uses local organizations to help cover the cost of books, which are mailed to any children under 5 whose parents sign them up. Benton and Washington counties haven't had a local organization to help raise money for two years, leaving it up to the statewide Imagination Library.

• Outside of the Dollywood Foundation's contributions, about half of the funding in Arkansas comes from the state's Department of Education.

By the numbers: About 7,900 children, or 22% of children under age 5 in Benton and Washington counties, are enrolled in the Imagination Library.

• Nearly 48% of children under 5 statewide are enrolled, according to the Imagination Library's website.