Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Inspiring Young Readers Across North Central Illinois
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is an internationally acclaimed book gifting program that promotes early childhood literacy by delivering free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five. The program was founded in 1995 by Dolly Parton with a mission to foster a love of reading in young children and support their educational development.
Through a partnership with local organizations in LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam counties, we are proud to offer this incredible resource to families in North Central Illinois. The Imagination Library provides one carefully curated book each month, tailored to the child’s age, to help build reading skills and stimulate their imagination.
Why Early Literacy Matters
Research shows that children who are exposed to books and reading early in life develop stronger language skills and are better prepared for school. The first five years of a child’s life are critical for brain development, and reading during this time supports cognitive growth, vocabulary expansion, and emotional bonding between parents and children.
By joining the Imagination Library, families can create a foundation for lifelong learning at no cost. From colorful picture books for babies to more advanced stories for preschoolers, each book is hand-selected by a team of early childhood literacy experts. These books encourage parents and caregivers to read regularly with their children, creating a routine that enhances learning and fosters a love for storytelling.
How the Program Works
It’s simple to get started with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Once your child is registered, they will receive a new book every month, delivered right to your doorstep. The program is available to all children, regardless of family income, making it an inclusive and accessible resource for every household.
Here’s how you can participate:
- Register your child: Sign up your child online to start receiving free books through our partnership in North Central Illinois.
- Receive your first book: Once registered, your child will receive their first book within a few weeks.
- Continue receiving monthly books: Each month, a new age-appropriate book will be mailed directly to your home.
The best part? The program is entirely free thanks to the support of local program partners and donors who are passionate about early childhood literacy.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has already gifted over 200 million books to children around the world, helping to build a generation of readers. Locally, we are dedicated to expanding the program in LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam counties to ensure more children can benefit from this life-changing initiative.
Whether you’re a parent, community leader, or business owner, you can get involved:
- Enroll Your Child: Give your child the gift of reading by registering for the Imagination Library today.
- Become a Partner: Help bring this valuable resource to even more families by partnering with us or supporting the program financially.
- Spread the Word: Share the benefits of the Imagination Library with friends, family, and your community to ensure every eligible child can enjoy this incredible opportunity.
At the North Central Regional Betterment Coalition (NCRBC), we believe that reading is a powerful tool for education and personal growth. By partnering with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, we aim to ensure that every child in our community has access to the resources they need to succeed. Together, we can inspire a lifelong love of reading and create a brighter future for the children of North Central Illinois.
