Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Imagine a world where every child develops a love of reading before they even start school. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is doing just that.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Imagination Library fosters a love of reading and learning in preschool children by mailing them a free, age-appropriate book each month until they turn 5 years old, regardless of the family’s income. Children who are enrolled at birth will amass their own personal library of 60 books!
Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write, Dolly Parton started her Imagination Library in 1995 for the children within her home county. Today, her program spans five countries and mails over 1 million free books each month to children around the world.
United Way of the Plains launched the national program locally in 2011.
Your child will receive their first book approximately eight weeks after their registration is approved and will continue monthly until they turn five years old, or you move out of the designated ZIP codes. Please notify United Way of the Plains at (316) 267‑1321 if your child’s address changes.
TURNING THE PAGE ON CHILDHOOD LITERACY
PARENT RESOURCES: LIT KITS
These activity guides are to encourage your child to develop a lifelong love of reading. Resource were compiled by students at Wichita State University.
Find more resources, including tips to build good reading habits at every age, color and activity sheets, and instructional videos for specific books at Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
LOCAL ENROLLMENTS DEPEND ON LOCAL DONATIONS
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is supported locally by community partners, such as United Way of the Plains. Local enrollments depend on local donations. Your gift of $25 sponsors one child for a full year in the program.
Gifts by Check
Checks can be sent to United Way of the Plains, 245 N. Water St., Wichita, KS 67202. Please include “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library” in the memo.
Want to make a corporate donation to underwrite the program or a specific ZIP code?
Contact Gwen Kochman, Director of Philanthropy, at gkochman@unitedwayplains.org or (316) 267‑1321 to discuss further.
OUR FOCUS
Our focus is on health, education, financial stability and basic needs—the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. Click below to learn more about what we’re doing, the programs we invest in and our lasting impact in each area.
