Greenville First Steps

09/08/2026

📚 Let’s bust some literacy myths!

Early literacy begins long before a child learns to read independently. From sharing a book and talking about pictures to singing songs and making up stories, everyday moments help build the skills children need to become confident readers.

Swipe through to see a few common literacy myths vs. facts and discover simple ways you can support your child’s learning at home!

09/04/2026

National Literacy Month gives us another opportunity to remember and honor Dolly Parton and the lasting legacy she created through her Imagination Library. 📚❤️

The impact of a child receiving books at home can be powerful. One study found that after receiving just 10 books, children enrolled in the program were at least 4x more likely to demonstrate stronger literacy skills!

Every book is a new adventure, a chance to learn, and a step toward a brighter future. See if your neighborhood qualifies for free books by visiting greenvillefirststeps.org/freebooks.

09/02/2026

📚 Honoring Dolly Parton, one free book at a time. 💕

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has made a powerful impact right here in Greenville County—mailing more than 95,000 free books to local children since 2019.

In our latest Simple Civics: Greenville County podcast, we explore Dolly’s legacy, how the Imagination Library works, and how families with children under five can enroll for free.

🎙️ Hear from Greenville First Steps and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library leaders about how Dolly’s vision is helping children grow up surrounded by books—and why her dream will continue for generations.
➡️ https://www.simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org/episodes/honoring-dolly-parton-how-dolly-partons-imagination-library-changed-greenville-one-free-book-at-a-time

📖 Have a child under five? Enrollment is free.
Listen/watch and learn how you can get involved and help carry Dolly’s dream forward. 💗

09/02/2026

Read It, Then Do It! 🎨

As we kick off National Literacy Month, let’s turn story time into playtime! 📚✨ After reading a favorite book together, extend the story with a simple activity you can do at home.

Reading, talking, creating, and playing together all help build early literacy skills—and make learning fun along the way! ❤️

What book will you read and bring to life today?

08/28/2026

We love supporting our partners!

Our Strategic Operations Director, Beth Jamieson, recently helped facilitate Greenville's Gift Board Retreat. We’re proud to support Greenville’s Gift and their mission to provide essential clothing and baby items to families across Greenville!

08/27/2026

Another look at the impact of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library right here in Greenville County!

Our Executive Director, Derek Lewis, spoke with FOX Carolina about the program and what it means for local children and families.

FOX Carolina's Tori Carmen has the details.

08/27/2026

Dolly Parton’s legacy will live on in Greenville County. Our Strategic Operations Director, Beth Jamieson, spoke with WSPA about the impact of Imagination Library in our community. Read the story to learn more!

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library will continue mailing free books to young children across the nation following the singer's death.

READ HERE | https://www.wspa.com/news/upstate-dolly-parton-imagination-library-continues/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_WSPA_7News

08/26/2026

Our community signed on to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 2019 to give our children the best start in life. Inspired by Dolly Parton’s own dad, who couldn’t read or write.

Every month, 4,800 children in Greenville County find a book in the mailbox — because of neighbors who fund it, volunteers who run it, and a woman from Sevier County, TN who started it all.

While our hearts are incredibly sad today, we’re more inspired than ever to continue this important mission. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children.

Thank you for supporting our work and Dolly’s legacy.

08/24/2026

Every child deserves the opportunity to build a lifelong love of reading. 📚💙

Through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, eligible children from birth to age 5 can receive a free, age-appropriate book delivered to their mailbox every month—at no cost to their family.

Visit greenvillefirststeps.org/freebooks to learn more and see if your family is eligible. Visit greenvillefirststeps.org/donate to sponsor a child and help provide the gift of reading to families across Greenville County!

08/21/2026

Our Program Director, Nicole Sheppard, recently attended the Building Hope for Children Conference in Columbia, hosted by Children's Trust of South Carolina.

The conference brought together leaders and professionals dedicated to strengthening outcomes for children and families across South Carolina. We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect, and share ideas that help us continue improving the work we do right here in Greenville County!

Bradshaw Institute for Community Child Health & Advocacy