Welcome to a world of imagination!
Champaign County, get ready to embark on a magical journey where the love for reading and the joy of imagination take center stage!
What is the Dolly Parton Imagination Library?
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a renowned literacy program that was founded by the legendary Dolly Parton. This initiative is dedicated to fostering a love for reading among children from birth to age five.
Every month, enrolled children receive a carefully selected, age-appropriate book mailed directly to their homes, absolutely free of charge.
Why is this Program Special?
It sounds almost too simple to be true, but by reading regularly with your children during their early years, you are giving them the biggest boost toward a successful education they will ever get.
By offering the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to kids in our community, United Way aims to inspire a lifelong love for reading from the very beginning of a child's journey. We hope to enhance early learning experiences, nurture creativity, and promote the building blocks of literacy through high-quality books.
Who is Eligible?
The program is open to all children under the age of 5 who live in Champaign or Douglas County, Illinois. It is completely free to families. Your child can look forward to new and exciting reading adventures from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library until they turn five years old as long as you live within a covered geographic area.
How can I Enroll?
Enrolling your child in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library is simple and completely free! If you live in Champaign or Douglas County, click below on your county of residence to enroll. Just follow the steps on our dedicated enrollment portal to sign up. Your child's first book will arrive within 8–12 weeks, and after that, they'll receive a new book every month.
How can I help?
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library thrives thanks to the generosity of our community and a unique shared funding model. Dolly Parton and the Dollywood Foundation handle many overhead and administrative costs, while local programs—like United Way of Champaign County—secure funding for books and postage.
In Champaign County, Illinois, this program is proudly funded by:
- United Way of Champaign County’s generous Community Impact Fund donors
- The State of Illinois
You can join this effort and make a meaningful impact by sponsoring a child’s enrollment. Just $26 covers an entire year of books for a local child! Your donation not only gives a child the gift of reading but also strengthens literacy in our community.
Click below to donate and help us make a difference today!