Imagination Library

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school, no matter their family’s income.  The Imagination Library program is built on decades of reading research consistently demonstrating that having books at home helps children develop literacy skills. Children from low-income homes across West Virginia deserve access to high-quality, developmentally appropriate books.

The West Virginia Department of Education and Marshall University’s June Harless Center, in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, is fostering a love of books among West Virginia’s children. Books are delivered to the home on a monthly basis at no cost to families. The long-term goal of this partnership is to ensure that every child in West Virginia has access to age-appropriate books prior to entering a school.

How This Works

Each local affiliate program enrolls children, promotes the program in it's community and secures the funds for the cost of books and mailing.

The WVDE and the June Harless Center supports local affiliate programs by generating state and national public awareness, providing ongoing technical assistance, and providing all startup help to local affiliates.

The Dollywood Foundation manages selection, pricing and distribution of the books.

Imagination Library FAQs

Who is eligible?

• Children under five years old may register at any time until their fifth birthday.

As a parent or guardian, what are my responsibilities?

• Submit an official registration form, completely filled out by parent or guardian
• Read with your child.

My address has changed, how do I continue to receive my books?

Update your address any time it changes by 

1. Contacting your local library 
2. Submitting a change of address using the WVDE's Change of Address Form.
3. Visiting the Imagination Library website.

When will my child receive books?

• Ten to twelve weeks after your registration form has been received, books will begin arriving at your home and will continue until your child turns five or you move into a county where The Imagination Library program is not available.

How can I help?

• Do you know a preschool child who is not receiving Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library? Telling them about this FREE program can make a huge difference in their future and the future of our community.
• Donations are accepted to help start and sustain the program in all 55 counties in West Virginia.