We have reached our capacity to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at this time. As a result, to continue mailing free books, we are temporarily unable to accept new registrations*. You can help us meet the demand by making a donation or joining The Book Club.
**Gloucester & Isle of Wight Counties are open for registration.
About Imagination Library
Learn about the program, how it works, and its impact on our children.
Enroll a Child
Enroll a child to begin receiving their free monthly books.
Support Imagination Library
Your donation or sponsorship can get books into the hearts and minds of children.
5,100+
Children receive free books monthly
88,500+
Total books mailed since 2019
1,100+
Children graduated
About the Imagination Library
About The Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book-gifting program where children who are registered with the program will receive a free brand-new, age-appropriate book in the mail every single month from the time they’re born until they start Kindergarten at age five. The Imagination Library inspires a love of books, reading, and learning within the hearts and minds of children while preparing them for Kindergarten and their education beyond.
How it Works
Parents, Grandparents, and/or Guardians can register their child/children online or at one of our registration sites to receive free books from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library if the child resides in one of our service areas and is within 0-5 years of age. The program is completely free of charge to families, and the books are mailed directly to the child each month. Every book is brand-new, age-appropriate, includes reading tips, and features the child’s name on the mailing label. It sounds almost too simple to be true, but by reading regularly with your children during their early years – from birth! – you are giving them the biggest boost toward success they will receive.
Why Imagination Library?
“We firmly believe that if a child grows up with a song in their heart and a book in their hand, there’s a pretty good chance their dreams will come true.”
Enroll a Child
Our Service Area
All children ages 0-5 in the following localities are eligible to enroll in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library:
Newport News
Williamsburg City County
COMING OCTOBER 2024
Hampton
James City County
COMING OCTOBER 2024
York County
Isle of Wight County
ALL CHILDREN ELIGIBLE THANKS TO:
Poquoson
Gloucester County
ALL CHILDREN ELIGIBLE
Made possible by Marsha Weatherwax, Gloucester Rotary Club, and Abingdon Ruritan Club.
How to enroll in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Once enrolled, please allow up to 6-8 weeks for processing before receiving your first Imagination Library book.
Enroll Online
The quickest and easiest way to begin receiving your books. Most applications approved within 1-2 days.
Enroll by Mail
Click to download a registration form, complete, and mail to our main office using the address listed on the form.
Enroll in Person
Visit any of our community partners using the map below and complete a registration form/brochure in person.
Have any Questions? Email us at library@degoodfoundation.org
Parent & Educator Resources
Current Book Selections
The Blue Ribbon Selection Committee meets annually to thoroughly asses and select each book into the program.
Interactive Reading Activities
Make your child’s books come to life with some help from reading activities and learn how to make them more effective for your child.
Book Placement by Age
Learn more about what factors influence the placement of specific titles and book formats into each age group for the program.
Audio & Braille Books
Young children who are blind and/or visually impaired are also eligible for the Imagination Library with audio and braille books.
Themes & Concepts
Learn more about what developmental milestones are addressed and accomplished through our books’ themes and concepts.
Change Your Address
When you move, your books do not automatically move with you. Ensure your address is up to date with USPS.