NORRIS ELECTRIC SPONSORS IMAGINATION LIBRARY BOOKS IN MEMORY OF SARAH SEMPLE
(Newton, Illinois) – The Jasper County Imagination Library received a $1,000 donation in memory of Sarah Semple from Norris Electric Cooperative (NEC). This memorial will be reflected on book labels, “Remembering Sarah Semple & Her Love for Books – Norris Electric,“ in June, July, and August 2025. NEC’s Board of Directors plans to make this an annual donation to remember Sarah. Sarah’s parents, Charles and Lynn Semple, joined Norris Electric staff recently to present the donation to “Dolly.”
Sarah Semple joined Norris Electric in 2012 bringing her skills and knowledge to the Engineering Department. At the time of her passing in December 2024, she was working in the role of Mapping Technician. NEC General Manager Tamara Phillips shared, “Sarah had a deep love for reading and was always excited to share her collection of books with fellow book lovers in the office. She loved recommending a good read or discussing her latest literary finds with anyone who was interested. Sarah was also a devoted aunt to her niece, Norah, and nephew, Miles.”
The Jasper County Imagination Library launched earlier this year through the generous support of local businesses and community members. As of March, 142 children were already enrolled to receive their first book in April. Children who reside in Jasper County receive in the mail a carefully selected, age-appropriate book each month from birth to age five at no cost to the caregivers. Parents and caregivers can enroll their children online at imaginationlibrary.com or pick up a form at the Newton Public Library.
About Jasper County Imagination Library
The Jasper County Imagination Library has partnered with The Dollywood Foundation, the State of Illinois and Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation to create a local affiliate for Jasper County. With this unique partnership, the administrative costs are covered by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the State of Illinois covers 50% of the program costs, leaving our local Jasper County Imagination Library affiliation responsible for the remaining cost of the program. Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation provides fiscal sponsorship including donation processing and accounting services.
About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995 to foster an early love of reading and learning in her hometown of Sevier County, Tenn. The Imagination Library has since become the highest quality, most recognizable and most effective book gifting resource in the world. Policy makers, funders, early childhood organizations and families trust The Imagination Library to inspire a love of reading among children of all ages.
