GALENA — For the eighth consecutive year, Apple River State Bank and First Community Bank of Galena has renewed the bank’s sponsorship of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library with a $10,000 payment to United Way of Northwest Illinois. The program started in 2016, and the bank has contributed nearly $50,000 since then. 

The bank’s contribution to the program increased significantly this year because of its success in Hazel Green and Darlington, where the bank has offices.

“Imagine if every child in our market area entered school ready to learn and with a love of reading,” said Joel Holland, Chief Executive Officer of Apple River State Bank and First Community Bank of Galena. “We are so proud to be sponsors of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to foster a love of reading in children and families.”

From birth until age five, children enrolled in the program receive a new, age-appropriate book mailed to their home each month. Parents can find the registration link to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at: www.uwni.org/imaginationlibrary.