Dolly Parton Book Program ~ Imagination Library

Imagination Library:
The Dolly Parton Book Program

One of the greatest organizations for early literacy is known as Imagination Library.

Lovingly known as the Dolly Parton book program, this incredible movement is changing the world ~ one book at a time. With humble beginnings much like Miss Dolly herself, this program shows the great things that can come from loving, others-centered celebrities like Dolly.

With humble beginnings much like Miss Dolly herself, this program shows the great things that can come from loving, others-centered celebrities like Dolly.

Early literacy is a passion of mine (check out my favorite preschooler book list here). Therefore I have something in common with Miss Dolly Parton!

What’s Imagination Library?

Imagination Library is the Dolly Parton book program that seeks to put books in the hands of every child ages birth to 5 years old. This is regardless of their family’s household income.

The books are mailed for free to kids and families. The program has grown from a local Tennesee project to now serving families in several countries as well as the United States.

The book list is curated by early learning specialists. Clearly lots of energy goes into this extensive selection process. In addition, Imagination Library partners with Penguin Random House (who has a huge selection) to get books at wholesale for major cost savings.

History of the Dolly Parton Book Program

Imagination Library hails from humble beginnings, much like Miss Dolly herself. Dolly Parton grew up in Sevier County, Tennessee. She was one of 12 children growing up in a small log cabin in rural Tennessee.

Surrounded by music from a young age, Dolly was performing professionally by age 10. Therefore hers is a history rich with success and an incredible musical legacy.

In 1995, the Dolly Parton book program, Imagination Library, launched with one mission: to bring books to the children of Sevier County, Tennessee.

Within five short years the program become so successful that there were already initiatives to expand the program (and copy it!) across the nation.

In 2004, Dolly’s home state of Tennessee pledged to carry the great work to all kids in Tennessee. By 2006, our neighbors to the north, Canada, were recipients, as well. In the years that followed, the countries of Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom joined the distribution locales for this ever-widening movement.

By 2020, Imagination Library had mailed over 147 million books. What an achievement, and counting!

How It Works

The Imagination Library website is a helpful resource. It’s the first place to visit if you’d like to learn more about supporting or receiving from this famous Dolly Parton book program. Though the byline sounds simple, this program takes the hard work and generosity of countless people!

The program is possible if there’s a local affiliate in the area (must be 501(c)3 nonprofit) to manage registrations and local funding.

This local affiliate, known officially as Local Champions, can be a school district, business, or other organization. They register and enroll children in selected coverage areas. This local affiliate pays $2.10 per child to cover the cost of wholesale publishing, while Imagination Library covers the rest of the overhead. There’s a helpful infographic here.

Each month, children who are registered in Imagination Library receive a free book mailed directly to their home. So long as the local affiliate continues registering, raising funds, and collaborating with the organization, kids will keep getting books at home.

How You Can Get Involved

There are several ways you can get involved in supporting Imagination Library, the Dolly Parton book program. There’s something in this organization for everyone.

First and simplest, you can contact your Local Champion to get your own kids on the list! Click on this “Check Availability” link to see if Imagination Library is in your area.

Second, consider making a donation to either your Local Champion or Imagination Library’s organization. This link will give you options. Trust me – this is money well spent!

Here is a link to donate to Imagination Library. Remember ~ it’s tax-deductible. You can even donate to your Local Champion.

Finally, consider being a Local Champion! There’s a few steps and a clear commitment one needs to make. Learn all about becoming a Local Champion here.