Marathon Petroleum's MPLX Supports Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Elk City

Donation helps expand early literacy program that has delivered over 21,000 books to local children

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Marathon Petroleum's midstream segment MPLX has donated $2,000 to support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program in Elk City, Oklahoma. The program has delivered over 21,000 books to 1,209 children in the community since launching locally in 2023, helping build early literacy and a love of reading for children from birth to age five at no cost to families.

Why it matters

Access to books and early literacy programs are crucial for child development and school readiness. By supporting Imagination Library, MPLX is investing in the future of the Elk City community and helping ensure all children have the resources they need to succeed.

The details

MPLX employees Jeremy Cantrell and Jennifer Hagerman presented the $2,000 donation to the Friends of the Elk City Library, which administers the Imagination Library program locally. In 2025, the program served 885 children in Elk City, mailing 8,787 books directly to their homes. Continued support from community partners like MPLX helps the program keep pace with growing demand and provide free books to more young learners.

  • Imagination Library launched locally in Elk City in 2023.
  • In 2025, the program served 885 children and delivered 8,787 books.
  • MPLX presented the $2,000 donation in February 2026.

The players

Marathon Petroleum Corporation

An American petroleum refining, marketing, and transportation company.

MPLX

The midstream segment of Marathon Petroleum Corporation that focuses on logistics and infrastructure.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

A book gifting program that mails free books to children from birth to age five, founded by country music legend Dolly Parton.

Elk City Carnegie Library

The public library in Elk City, Oklahoma that administers the local Imagination Library program.

Friends of the Elk City Library

A community organization that supports the Elk City Carnegie Library, including the Imagination Library program.

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What they’re saying

“Supporting literacy programs like Imagination Library is an investment in our community's future. When children have access to books early in life, it builds confidence, curiosity and a strong foundation for learning that lasts well beyond the classroom.”

— Jeremy Cantrell, Senior Environmental Specialist, MPLX

The takeaway

By partnering with community organizations to support early childhood literacy programs like Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, companies like MPLX are making meaningful investments in the future of local communities and ensuring all children have the resources they need to develop a lifelong love of reading.