What is Imagination Library?
Created in 1996 by famed country singer Dolly Parton to foster a love of reading in children and promote early childhood literacy. All participating children from birth to 5 years of age receive free age-appropriate books mailed directly to the child’s home every month.
How does it work?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a 60 volume set of books beginning with the children’s classic The Little Engine That Could™. Each month a new, carefully selected book will be mailed in your child’s name directly to your home. Best of all it is a FREE GIFT! There is no cost or obligation to your family.
Who is Eligible?
Preschool children ages birth to five who are residents of Kittitas County and Yakima County.
When will I Receive Books?
Six to nine weeks after your registration form has been received, books will begin arriving at your home and will continue until your child turns five or you move out of the service area.
Why is reading important at this age?
A child’s brain is 90% developed by the age of five.
Having access to books and reading aloud has numerous benefits to a child; it builds literacy skills, language, and brain development. The number of words that a child knows upon entering Kindergarten is a key predictor of his or her future success.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library promotes early childhood education and fosters parent/child interaction – both of which are fundamental ingredients for future educational success. Research has shown that children who participate in the program gain the skills that prepare them for school.
How do I enroll my child?
Signing up your child for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is easy!
Registration is currently open to residents of Kittitas County and Yakima County.
You can register online using the link below:
You can also download the registration form by CLICKING HERE and mailing it to United Way of Central Washington at the address below.
Mailing Address:
United Way of Central Washington
116 S 4th St,
Yakima, WA 98901
Sponsor a child!
Interested in supporting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Kittitas and Yakima County? A gift of only $30 sponsors a child for year in the program. ($150 for five years).