More than 12,000 Local Children Now Enrolled in Iconic Literacy Program
Over 200,000 books have been gifted to local children thanks to United Way of Snohomish County (UWSC) and their partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Launched in June 2023, the Imagination Library of Snohomish County ships high quality and age-appropriate books to children for free every month from birth to age five. To date, more than 15,000 children have been served locally – with over 12,000 currently enrolled and 3,000 having graduated – making UWSC’s Imagination Library program the second largest in Washington.
“We know how critical these early years are, and 200,000 books means 200,000 opportunities to spark imagination, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading,” Williams said. “This milestone reflects a deep need in our community, and I’m incredibly proud of the role United Way plays in making this program thrive."
Every book represents a step toward greater equity in early education, added Williams. By providing books at no cost to families, the Imagination Library increases childhood literacy rates, fosters a love of books, and promotes a culture of reading among the families and communities of Snohomish County. Families not currently enrolled or those interested in additional information can visit uwsc.org/freebooksforkids.
“Being a part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been such a rewarding experience,” said Susan Gustafson, UWSC’s Director of Programs. “I have observed first-hand the delight the books bring to local parents and children.”
Library Accessibility Expands
United Way of Snohomish County launched their partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in alignment with their mission to serve children and families in the community. Providing books to children in their earliest years of life is the best way to ensure they are prepared to enter kindergarten.
UWSC has also collected and distributed used books through local drives to ensure that children who are eligible but may not be able to enroll – including those who are experiencing housing insecurity – can also enjoy the benefits of early literacy. Beneficiaries include the Providence Children’s Center and Snohomish County Court Appointed Special Advocates’ (CASA) Wonder Room in Everett.
“It is such a joy to see the impact of the program in Snohomish and beyond and, more importantly, to know that parents are cultivating a ‘reading culture in their children and promoting early literacy,” said Gustafson.
Participation in the Imagination Library of Snohomish County program is free to all families regardless of income, thanks to generous donations from the Norman Archibald Charitable Foundation and the Nora Roberts Foundation, plus matching funds provided by Imagination Library of Washington.
Statewide Collaboration
The statewide program – operated by The Imagination Library of Washington, United Ways of the Pacific Northwest (UWPNW), the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Washington Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) – provides a strategic layer of support and is responsible for fostering growth, development, and sustainability in all 39 counties.
In Snohomish County, United Way is joined by three additional community partners including, Lake Stevens Education Foundation, Stanwood-Camano Rotary Foundation and Arlington Education Foundation, who operate the program locally in their respective school districts. Sno-Isle Libraries also partners with UWSC to provide spaces for enrollment events.
Donate Today!
For $31 per year, donors like you can help cover the cost of books being sent monthly to a child who is enrolled in the Imagination Library. For $156, you can ensure that the child receives books every month until their 5th birthday! UWSC is currently looking for program sponsors to help us get as many books into as many households as possible.
For more information, contact Susan Gustafson, Director of Programs for United Way of Snohomish County, at susan.gustafson@uwsc.org or call (425) 374-5503.