Do you know that you can score free books for your little ones with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program? It's an amazing book gifting initiative that sends carefully curated, age-appropriate books every month to kids aged from birth to five years.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to children between the ages of birth up to five years old, at no cost to the family. The legendary singer Dolly Parton initiated this fantastic project in her home state of Tennessee, fueled by her father's challenges with reading. The premise is elegantly simple yet profoundly impactful – children from birth to kindergarten receive a thoughtfully selected book every month, delivered right to their doorstep.
Since its inception, the Imagination Library has generously gifted over 226 million books to children in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland.
Collaboration with Local Partners: Reading for ALL
The success of this initiative relies on collaborative funding efforts from Dolly Parton and local community partners globally. Local program partners include businesses, school districts, organizations, and individuals who align with the mission of the Imagination Library. The program extends its impact beyond sighted children, partnering with the American Printing House for the Blind to make many books available in braille and audio format, ensuring visually impaired children can also experience the joy of reading.
Imagination Library of Washington (ILWA)
Launched in June 2022, the Imagination Library of Washington became the 11th state with a statewide program, achieving full state coverage in July 2023 (ALL children in WA under age five are eligible to register for the program). With 46 local program partners covering all zip codes in all 39 counties, ILWA has reached over 108,000 Washington children from birth to age five.
How to Snag Your Free Book: Register Now!
Registering your little one is a breeze – just hop onto this link. And guess what? If you have more than one kiddo under five, sign them up too! The books are inclusive, promoting positive and inspirational themes.
The first book a child receives upon completing registration in the Imagination Library is The Little Engine That Could. On the child’s fifth birthday, they graduate out of the program and receive the book Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come.
Support the Cause
As the program gains popularity, community support is needed to keep the momentum going. Whether you choose to volunteer, donate, or become a community ambassador, your involvement will positively impact the lives of our youngest learners, preparing them for success as they enter kindergarten and beyond.
Individual Donations
With a partnership between The Dollywood Foundation and local program partners, a mere $26 per year covers the cost of books and mailing for one child. Make online donations here.
Volunteer with Local Program Partner
Reach out to your local program partners, and they will provide instructions on how you can contribute to their work in your local community. Supporting Washington program partners can be done through roles such as registration clerks, fundraising, and community ambassadors.
Let's unite and keep the love for reading alive in the hearts of our youngest readers! 📚✨
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