WABASH COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) -- For those curious how popular Dolly Parton's Imagination Library will be now that the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is offering it, Wabash County appears to be a prime example of the program's effectiveness. The Imagination Library was founded in 1995 by singer Dolly Parton, and the program offers free books to children from birth up to age 5. To date, more than 3 million children worldwide have registered in the program. Kelli Dale, executive director of the Wabash County United Fund, hoped to enlist at least 200 children into the program within the first year; however, those expectations were quickly surpassed. "Within the first 24 hours of launching this at the end of June, we have over 200 children sign up, and so I was blown away," Dale said. "It was amazing." Since the Wabash County United Fund launched the Imagination Library in June, more than 630 children have already participated in the program in a county with a population that barely exceeds 30,000 people. By comparison, more than 1,800 children have signed up for the Imagination Library in Allen County as of Friday. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library coming to Allen County; ACPL fundraising goal met Dale sees the public support as a sign that the community understands the benefits and importance of the Imagination Library. "To see it personally on a parent side is very rewarding, but then also to watch the other children receive the books ... that is what is most rewarding for our community," Dale said. Census data show there are roughly 1,500 children in Wabash County who qualify for the Imagination Library, and Dale hopes to see at least 100 more children join the program in 2025. The Wabash County United Fund is also worked with the four libraries within the county in order to give the program more exposure. "We're just hoping that all of the kids can be impacted by that and to grow the program so that all the children just at home are able to establish that love of reading at a very young age," Dale said. The Wabash County United Fund hosted an Friday to celebrate the success of the Imagination Library where parents could sign up their child for the program and participate in book giveaways. A full list of books available through the Imagination Library can be found online.