Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a program that distributes free books to children from birth to age 5 in participating communities.

Studies show children who grow up surrounded by books are more successful in school. The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics found that reading aloud to children at a young age has a positive impact on brain development. It’s the goal of the Clermont County Public Library, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, and The Dollywood Foundation to give every child the advantage of having books and reading opportunities at home.

Fill out the form on the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio webpage.

You may be eligible in the area where you live. Visit Dolly Parton's Imagination Library website to check if the program is offered in your area.

Children under the age of 5 who live in a participating area are eligible.

No, but the Clermont County Public Library offers cards to children age 0 and up. Visit your local branch to sign up for a free Library card!

Live in a participating area. Register your child at Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio. The Parent Resources page at Dolly Parton's Imagination Library recommends that you Read aloud to your child 15 minutes a day. Keep your contact information -- home address and email -- up to date. To easily do so, log in to the Parent Portal at the bottom of this page.

You can update your address on your profile by logging in to the Parent Portal at the bottom of this page. You can also email Imaginationlibrary@uwgc.org and give your new address. If you still live in Clermont County, your address will be updated in the system, and your child should receive a new book again in about 10 weeks. If you no longer live in Clermont County, we will attempt to transfer your registration to an affiliate serving your new community. Please don’t register your child twice. Duplicate registrations will be removed from the mailing list even if a child is registered using different addresses. Please don’t re-register your child with a new birth date. Duplicate names will be removed from the mailing list.

Books will begin to arrive at your home 8 to 10 weeks after your child is registered. For example: If you register your child January 1, the registration will be finalized February 1. The first book will be sent March 1. The book will arrive by USPS 7-10 days later, or about March 10.

Please email Imaginationlibrary@uwgc.org

Yes.

View the Imagination Library Blue Ribbon Selections of books.

Books for different age groups are mailed as they are delivered from the publisher, which varies from month to month. Please email Imaginationlibrary@uwgc.org if you have not received a book in 8 weeks.

Your child is eligible as long as the family has an address where they can receive mail. The book will be addressed to your child.

Absolutely. Visit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ohio website to enroll.

Yes, having a book of their very own, even a duplicate book in the case of twins, will help develop the love of reading.

If your child recently turned 5 years old, they graduated from the program. If your child has not turned 5, please email Imaginationlibrary@uwgc.org for more information.

Each child within an age group receives the same monthly book. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library makes sure children receive an appropriate book by allocating them to an age group based on their birth year. For example, childen born in 2023 will receive board books with minimal text focusing on nurture and attachment, whereas a child born in 2018 will receive a softcover picture book, covering more complex concepts. A child enrolled from birth to their fifth birthday will build their own home library of up to 60 books.

They can sign up for a Library card and have free access to a wide variety of books, e-books, audio books, movies, comics, online resources like the PBS Kids Binge Pass, and so much more at the Clermont County Public Library!

The United Way of Greater Cincinnati and the Clermont County Public Library administer the program. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ohio provides 50% of the funding and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati provides the other half. To help support the program financially, please contact the Eastern Area United Way at 513-762-7100. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Email Imaginationlibrary@uwgc.org

Email Imaginationlibrary@uwgc.org with any questions.