Did you know your child can receive a free book every month from birth through age 5?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a nationwide literacy program that mails high-quality books directly to children’s homes, completely free. No income requirements. No catch.
All children under 5 in 20 counties and other communities with existing programs can be signed up today and will begin receiving books usually within six to eight weeks.
Who can get books?
All 2.4 million children in California under the age of 5 will become eligible, regardless of family income, as local programs expand across all areas of the state. Just sign up and an age-appropriate book should arrive at the beginning of the month, usually six to eight weeks after enrolling. If more than one child under the age of 5 lives in one household, each child can be signed up and receive their own books.
Frequently asked questions
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has created a list of frequently asked questions from parents.
Click here to find the full list.
If you need help signing up, visit your local library for assistance.
A little history
Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995 for the children of her home county in east Tennessee. Dolly’s vision was to foster a love of reading among her county’s preschool aged children and their families by providing them with the gift of a specially selected book each month.
Today the Imagination Library is in five countries and all 50 states. It has delivered more than 200 million books to children since its inception in 1995.
The Imagination Library is expanding across the state because of legislation authored by state Senator Shannon Grove and Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins.
It was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and is the latest investment California is making in strengthening early learning opportunities for all.
Early reading helps children
• Build vocabulary and language skills.
• Improve school readiness.
• Develop a lifelong love of learning.
How to sign up
Visit imaginationlibrary.com and enter your ZIP code to see if the program is available in your area.
Enrollment only takes a few minutes, and books begin arriving by mail each month.
If you need help enrolling or want to learn more about local family resources, Hadwick’s office is here to help.
Email: [email protected].
