Inspire a Love of Reading through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
In a matter of minutes, any parent in Ohio can begin their child's Imagination Library journey. Children from birth up to age five can enroll in the program and receive a new, high-quality, age-appropriate book each month — all at no cost to the family.
Through a partnership between Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio and local community partners, every family in Ohio with children under 5 can take advantage of this program. These partners share the cost of every child's enrollment, making it accessible for all.
Embark on a Journey
Curling up with a child and a good book is a valuable experience that offers many benefits. Reading helps children develop language skills and imagination, strengthens the parent-child bond, instills a love for books and learning, and promotes attention and listening skills. Sharing the joy of reading creates cherished memories and equips children with lifelong skills.
2024 Book List
Click here to discover what books will be delivered throughout 2023.
Keep the Fun Going
Click here to access free coloring & activity sheets, read-along videos, activity ideas, and more.
Join the Committee
Help make the Imagination Library accessible for more local children! Join the Committee →
Follow Us On Facebook
Stay up to date on all things related to the Washington County Imagination Library program via Facebook. We post about fun activities, upcoming books, and more!
Who Makes the Imagination Library Possible?
International Flagship Program
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library registers children internationally, covers all overhead and administrative expenses, coordinates the Blue Ribbon Book Selection Committee, and coordinates monthly book orders and fulfillment.
Statewide Partner
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio registers children in Ohio, contributes 50% of funds for monthly books and mailing, and fosters statewide growth of local programs.
Washington County, Ohio Affiliate & Committee
As the local community partner, Marietta Community Foundation enrolls local children ages 0-5, pays $2.20 per child per month toward wholesale books and mailing costs, and oversees the Imagination Library Committee that promotes the program locally to drive enrollment and funding.
Amazing Local Sponsors
This free-for-families program is available only because of the dedicated partners listed above and several generous donors.
100% of each gift to the program goes directly toward making the Imagination Library accessible for all children in Washington County!
Champions ($5,000+)
Bernard McDonough Foundation
Marietta Noon Rotary Club
Leaders ($2,500+)
Dollar General Literacy Foundation
Kiwanis Club of Marietta
Peoples Bank
Friends ($1,000+)
Anonymous
Capitolium Literary Society Fund
West Virginia Central Federal Credit Union
Advocates ($125+)
Binkley Charitable Fund
David Majors
Donovan Peoples
Dwight K. & Dorothy S. Hays Memorial Fund
Jim Christy Fund for Kids
Joseph and Melinda Crone
Kean Weaver Memorial Fund
Marietta Civitan Club
Marietta Education Association
Marietta Morning Rotary Club
Sipe Family Charitable Fund
Solvay Specialty Polymers
Become a Sponsor
See How You Can Benefit
View all of the perks you can take advantage of while supporting this great cause.
The Imagination Library is provided free of charge to all children under the age of 5 and their families, regardless of income.
The Dollywood Foundation handles program overheads and bulk book purchases, driving down costs significantly. Local partners only need to cover the at-cost book and mailing expenses, equaling $2.20 per month per child. On average, $95 is spent per child in Washington County.
An endowment fund has been established to support the program's sustainability in perpetuity, but the current enrollment exceeds what the endowment can support annually. Your sponsorship ensures that the Imagination Library continues to brighten the lives of countless children and families!
FAQ
What is the Imagination Library?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is an international book-gifting program for children younger than 5 years old. Registered children receive one high-quality book in the mail addressed to them each month.
Is it really free?
This program is available at no cost to families, regardless of their ability to pay. The costs of enrollment and mailing are shared by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio and Marietta Community Foundation, making it accessible for all.
How is Marietta Community Foundation involved?
Marietta Community Foundation is the Washington County, OH community partner (also known as an affiliate) for DPIL. The Foundation manages local registrations and raises funds to register children county-wide in the program.
What are the requirements to enroll?
Children ages 0 – 5 years old who live in Washington County, Ohio are eligible to enroll. If the child resides outside of Ohio, you can check their eligibility at https://imaginationlibrary.com/.
Can I register my children online?
Yes! This is the quickest and easiest way to enroll your children. Simply click here to complete enrollment in just a few minutes.
What if I need to update my address or contact information?
Simply contact us at imagination@mcfohio.org or 740-373-3286. Be sure to list the name(s) of all children whose information needs to be updated.
Can I help cover the cost of a local child’s enrollment?
Yes, this program is only possible because of the generosity of people like you! A gift of $26 will provide books for one child for one year. Contributions can be made to the Washington County Imagination Library fund at Marietta Community Foundation. To make your gift quickly and conveniently online using PayPal, click here.
