“You can NEVER get enough BOOKS into the hands of enough CHILDREN.” - Dolly
Unlock the magic of Imagination Library of Bartholomew County
Inspire
Dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.
- Dolly Parton
Educate
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program mailing free, high-quality books to children from birth to age 5, no matter their family’s income.
Support
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, email us at imaginationlibrarybarthco@gmail.com or call us at (812) 373-6432.
Grow their creative confidence
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library began in 1995 in East Tennessee, when Dolly Parton wanted to “stimulate children’s imaginations and encourage reading within the family at an early age.” She provided one free book a month to children from birth to age 5, for a total of 60 free books by the time they entered kindergarten. In 2000, she began offering the books nationwide and even internationally by inviting communities to set up affiliate programs. Now, over 2,000 local affiliate organizations in five countries have sent over 140 million books to preschool-age children by not only enrolling children in their respective communities but also raising money to help cover the cost of the books.
Studies demonstrate Imagination Library books promote:
Early reading skills
School readiness
Language development
Life skills development
Parent engagement
