More than 500,000 free books are now in the hands of hundreds of kids in Onslow County.

Community organization leaders said this is a goal they’ve worked at for months.

The United Way of Onslow County, Jacksonville Rotary Club, Golden Corral, and One Place Early Literacy staff have all partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program to enroll Onslow County children in their free book giveaway.

Organizers said Onslow County parents can sign their children up to get a personalized book shipped to their house every month until they're 5 years old.

One Place Director of Prevention Services Joe Coffey said with the help of state funding, they’re helping improve reading skills for hundreds of kids.

“I think that children and families alike are excited to get these books and they are excited to get the books mailed to their home," said Coffey. "And kids getting mail with their names on it is an exciting deal, but what we do know, is that when children have access to books, they are better able to reach those reading goals developmentally.”

If you’d like to sign your child up to get a free book, contact One Place Early Literacy in Jacksonville.