Here’s How Your Grandchild Can Receive Free Books in the Mail Every Month

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Isn’t Dolly Parton just a treasure? I’ve loved this bright star of a singer for as long as I can remember. I still smile when I think back to the first time her voice filled the radio in the late 60s and early 70s. Her songs are beautiful, but what shines even brighter is her kindness and big heart. You can see it in the way she gives back, especially through her Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

Since 1995, this special program has been sending free books to children from birth until they head off to school. Imagine your grandkids getting their very own book in the mail each month—it feels like a gift wrapped in love and learning.

Let’s take a closer look at this wonderful idea and see how you can sign your little ones up for these free monthly books.

History of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library was born out of Dolly’s own childhood in the hills of Tennessee. Growing up, books weren’t easy to come by, and she never forgot how much that shaped her life.

Wanting to honor her father—who never had the chance to learn to read or write—Dolly started the program in her hometown of Sevier County in 1995. That first December, the very first books were mailed out to children.

The idea took off quickly. Families loved it, and before long, the program was spreading far beyond county lines.

In 2000, Dolly made a big announcement: she would open the program to any community that wanted to join her mission. And join they did! Over the years, the Imagination Library has stretched across the globe, reaching children in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.

By 2021, more than 150 million books had been gifted—each one helping a child discover the joy of reading. Thanks to Dolly’s vision and love, millions of little ones have been given the gift of stories, learning, and imagination.

How the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Works

The magic of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is found in its simplicity. Local communities team up with the program to sign children up and keep track of families, while the Dollywood Foundation helps keep everything running smoothly in the background.

Once a child is enrolled, something special happens—they get their very own book in the mail each month until they start school. It doesn’t matter how much money a family makes; every child is welcome.

The books are chosen by experts in early childhood literacy to match each age, making sure they are fun, engaging, and just right for that stage of learning.

By the time a child starts school, they can have a collection of up to 60 books of their own. Imagine the joy of opening the mailbox to find a new story each month—a gift that not only sparks imagination but also builds a lifelong love of reading.

Steps to Sign Up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Signing up your grandchild for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is simple and so worth it. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Check availability: Go to the Imagination Library website and use the “Check Availability” tool to see if it’s offered in your area.
2. Register your grandchild: If it’s available, you can fill out a quick form with your grandchild’s name, birthday, and mailing address.
3. Wait for the first book: After registering, the first book will arrive in about 8–10 weeks. After that, your grandchild will get a brand-new book in the mail each month until they turn five or move out of the area.
4. Keep your details updated: If you move or your address changes, don’t forget to update your information so the books keep coming right to your doorstep.

The Imagination Library is more than just free books—it’s a gift of dreams, wonder, and inspiration for children everywhere. As a grandma, nothing makes me happier than giving my grandchildren the joy of reading. Dolly says it best: “You can never get enough books into the hands of enough children.”

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