dolly parton's imagination library

The Library that dolly Built

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that gifts free books to children from birth to age five in participating communities.

Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write Dolly started her Imagination Library in 1995 for the children within her home county. Today, her program spans five countries and gifts over 1 million free books each month to children around the world.

In North Carolina, Imagination Library is a public-private partnership with the NC Legislature allocating $7 million annually to support book access for families.

important tips

Here are some things you should know when registering your child with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library:

some helpful advice

The Imagination Library has lots of age specific reading tips. An early introduction to books and reading significantly influences a child’s early educational success.

When your child receives their books

  • Begin reading to your child immediately 
  • Read to your child at least five days per week
  • Read books multiple times
  • Snuggle, ask questions, notice letters, make sounds
  • Have fun!

Visit the Imagination Library’s Parent Resources web page for age specific tips, videos, coloring exercises and activity sheets