Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Imagination Library?
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five, through funding shared by Dolly Parton and local community partners in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Republic of Ireland.
What is the criteria for Imagination Library?
The Library is a book-gifting program that provides free, high-quality books to eligible children from birth to five (5) years old. Parents, legal guardians, and other authorized adults (“Authorized Adults”) can register eligible children for the Library.
How do I register my child?
If you want to register your child for the program, please visit the registration page. Please contact brittany.williams@uwsc.org if you need any assistance.
I don’t live in Snohomish County. Can I sign my child up to receive books?
Local affiliates, like United Way of Snohomish County, handle Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library registrations and serve specified areas. Click here and enter your zip code to find out if a local affiliate is serving your county/community.
I have twins. Will they receive the same book every month?
Unfortunately, yes. This does mean that both children will have their own complete set of books by the time they graduate from the program.
My older child already receives books. If I enroll my younger child, will they receive the same books my older child did?
The Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Book Selection Committee rotates approximately 25% of titles for each age group each year. Families who enroll multiple children and therefore receive some “repeat” books donate copies to homeless shelters, school libraries, and other nonprofits. Please remember to peel the mailing label from the back of the books before donating to protect your privacy.
Why do my child’s books come at different times every month? Why do my children receive their books on different days?
Penguin Random House prints Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library books monthly, keeping program costs affordable. The different age groups’ books are mailed as they are ready, which varies from month to month. Therefore, your child(ren)’s books can arrive at any point in the month. Please get in touch with us if you have not received a book in 8 weeks.
We moved here and transferred our enrollment. Will my child receive the same books they received before we moved?
No. Each month, the book a child receives is determined based on their birthday. This ensures that
children receive appropriate books for their age and developmental stage. However, it also means that
one child should never receive the same book twice, even if they move!
How long does it take to receive my child’s first book once I have received the email that my child has been enrolled?
Receiving your child’s first book can take 8-12 weeks after being enrolled. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library processes the books about six weeks before mailing them because Penguin Books USA prints books specifically for this program every month.