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Parents and caregivers are a child's first and most important teacher. The experiences and relationships built in the earliest years of a child's life are important for all areas of learning and development. A love of books and reading offers the foundation for literacy skills that set children up for future success. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library inspires children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More, and Be More.

Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dolly Parton's Imagination Library?
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a monthly book-gifting program that mails high quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth up to age five, at no cost to the family. The Imagination Library was created by Dolly Parton in 1995 in honor of her father, whose inability to read and write was Dolly’s inspiration behind creating the Imagination Library. 

Is my child eligible for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library?
Children between birth up to age five are able to register for a free book each month from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, at no cost to the families. Books are mailed directly to the child until the child's fifth birthday.

How do I enroll my child(ren) in the Imagination Library?
Parents are encouraged to visit www.imaginationlibrary.com to sign up, or visit the local affiliate program in their own community for enrollment opportunities. 

I have multiple children under the age of five, will they each get a book?
Yes, each child will receive a book that is age appropriate. Each title is mailed separately to children of specific ages, so the books may arrive at different times during the month.

After my child is enrolled, how long will it take to receive our first book?
Eight to ten weeks after your registration has been accepted/received, books will begin arriving at your home and will continue each month until your child turns five.

What type of books will be mailed to my child?
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library books are carefully selected each year by early learning experts and meet the different needs of children as they progress from birth to age five. The Imagination Library books inspire and ignite a child's imagination. Other themes include, love of reading and learning; regard for diversity of people, their roles, culture, and environment; promotion of self-esteem and confidence, appreciation of art and aesthetics. The first book a child receives is The Little Engine That Could, and the last book upon graduating from the program is Look Out Kindergarten Here I Come. Two bilingual Spanish/English books are also included in the book collection each year, per age group. To view the book list, CLICK HERE.

What is a parent account?
Once your child is approved for and active in the program, parent account information is emailed to you. Your username is always your email address. With your parent account, you can check your child’s enrollment status, edit your address, and view a list of the titles mailed each month.

I am moving out of state, can my child still receive books?
To check program availability in your new community, visit www.imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability.

How can I support the Imagination Library?
Donations can be made to the Imagination Library of Washington to bring more books to young children across Washington by CLICKING HERE. To support your local Imagination Library program, visit our Affiliate Directory to connect with the program in your region.

Are you moving and need to update your address? Make sure your child's books move with you! Follow the prompts below to change your address, and your child will receive their next Imagination Library book at your new address. Can’t log in to update your address? Contact your county’s Imagination Library affiliate for support HERE.