Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

What the program does

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library gives books for free to young children. Children get them from birth until they turn five. Money comes from Dolly Parton and from local community partners in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.

How it started

Dolly Parton started the program in 1995 for the children of her home county in East Tennessee, USA. Her father could not read or write, and this inspired her. Each month, a specially chosen book is mailed straight to the child's home. Every child gets books, no matter how much money the family has.

Key facts

• The program started in 1995.
• It now works in five countries: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.
• It sends millions of free books each month.
• It is for children from birth to age five.

Why it matters

Reading early helps children learn and dream big. The program wants every child to have books at home, even if their family is poor. Dolly Parton says the seeds of big dreams are often found in books. Local communities can also start a program of their own.

What to watch

• Whether more communities start their own local programs.
• How many new children sign up and how many books are sent.
• Whether the program grows into more countries.