Imagine being a little child and hearing the post arrive. Among the ordinary envelopes is something special: a brand-new book, sent just for you.
That is the magic of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is one of the world’s biggest and most loved early-years book-gifting programmes. Since it began in 1995, Dolly’s idea has been wonderfully simple: send children a free, carefully chosen book every month from birth until their fifth birthday, and help families make reading part of everyday life.
That simple idea has grown into something extraordinary. The programme has now gifted more than 300 million books worldwide. In the UK, it is delivered by The Dollywood Foundation UK in partnership with local communities, bringing books into children’s homes and helping families build a love of stories together.
The impact goes far beyond a parcel through the door. Research with more than 86,000 families has found that children receiving Imagination Library books are more likely to be read to regularly, have more books at home, enjoy reading, and develop the early literacy skills that help them feel ready for school.
Parents and carers can check whether Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is available where they live here:
Check Imagination Library availability.
A brilliant idea from Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is known around the world for her music, sparkle, storytelling and enormous heart. But one of her most wonderful legacies may be the Imagination Library.
The programme began in Sevier County, Tennessee, where Dolly grew up. Dolly created the Imagination Library in honour of her father, Robert Lee Parton, who was hardworking, clever and loving, but never had the chance to learn to read and write.
A global reading adventure
The programme now reaches children in participating communities around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Ireland.
In every place, the heart of the programme is the same: a child receives a book, a family shares a story, and another little reader begins to grow.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the UK
In the UK, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is delivered by The Dollywood Foundation UK in partnership with local communities.
This means local support and funding help bring the programme to children in participating UK areas, so more families can enjoy books at home from the earliest years.
A note for Swansea families
As Kooky Kids World is proudly connected to Wales, we were especially pleased to hear that funding is being sought for a possible Imagination Library programme in Swansea, Wales.
Availability depends on official programme coverage and local funding, so Swansea families should use the Imagination Library checker for the latest information.
How does Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library work?
Where the programme is available, a parent or guardian can register their child.
Once enrolled, the child receives a free book in the post every month. The books are chosen to suit the child’s age, from baby books for little hands to picture books that help preschool children get ready for school.
Over time, children build a home library of their very own.
That monthly book can become a little family celebration: opening the parcel, spotting the child’s name, turning the pages, choosing a favourite picture, and asking for the story again at bedtime.
Shared reading can help children
Shared reading can help children:
- Hear new words
- Build listening skills
- Develop imagination
- Understand feelings and characters
- Ask questions
- Enjoy quiet time with a grown-up
- Feel confident around books before school
Children do not need to read the words themselves to benefit. Listening, pointing, joining in and asking for the same story again are all part of learning.
Why children love getting their own books
There is something powerful about a book that belongs to you.
A child can keep it on their shelf, choose it again and again, carry it around, read it upside down, point to the same picture every night, and know that this story is theirs.
And repetition is not a problem. It is part of learning.
When children ask for the same story again, they are remembering words, predicting what comes next, noticing pictures, joining in with repeated phrases and building confidence.
That is how little readers grow.
If Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is available where you live, it can be a wonderful way to begin building a home library. If not, families can still keep the story going with library books, second-hand books, nursery rhymes, free online stories and bedtime favourites read again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
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Is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library free?
Yes. In participating communities, enrolled children receive books for free.
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What age is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for?
The programme sends books to children from birth until their fifth birthday in participating areas.
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How often do children receive books?
Children usually receive one free book every month.
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Is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library available in the UK?
Yes. In the UK, the programme is delivered by The Dollywood Foundation UK in partnership with local communities. Availability depends on local programme coverage.
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Is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library available worldwide?
The programme runs in participating communities in several countries, but it is not available everywhere. Parents should use the official checker to see whether their area is covered.
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How can parents check availability?
Parents can check whether the programme is available where they live by visiting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
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Why is reading aloud important?
Reading aloud helps children hear new words, understand stories, develop imagination, build listening skills and enjoy warm, shared time with a grown-up.
