Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a beloved book-gifting program launched in 1995 in honor of Dolly’s father, who couldn’t read or write. The program mails a carefully selected, age-appropriate book each month to children from birth until age five, completely free of charge. What started in her hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee, has now blossomed into a global initiative serving families across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland.
Enrollment is simple: parents sign up through a local affiliate (city, county, or community partner)—and once registered, their child receives one high-quality book per month delivered right to their home. There are no income restrictions, and even bilingual book options are available in many communities, ensuring every child has access to books that spark imagination and early literacy.
The impact on families is profound. Imagination Library isn’t just about receiving free books—it’s about building a daily reading habit that fosters bonding, language development, and a lifelong love of learning. Parents are encouraged to read aloud regularly, ask questions, and make story time a special, interactive ritual. By the time children start kindergarten, many families have built a home library of over 60 books. This everyday engagement supports early brain development, strengthens family connections, and nurtures confident, curious children—setting them up for success in school and beyond.