We believe all children should have what they need to succeed, starting from the moment they’re born. That's why we are committed to reducing disparities in educational outcomes so all children and youth have the opportunity to thrive. We do this by improving access to early childhood education, supporting students’ ability to learn and engage during school, and tailoring resources for students so all young people can realize their full potential.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is one program that helps us reach this goal. Through generous donations from United Way donors, we provide one book each month to nearly 3,500 children in Southeast Minnesota from birth to age 5.
"When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer or singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books, and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world." -Dolly Parton
Partnering with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library allows us to promote early literacy and a love of reading throughout our communities because all families deserve to keep a well-stocked library. By operating Imagination Library in Olmsted County, United Way makes sure all families, regardless of their economic status, can raise young readers. Families with children ages 0-5 living in ZIP codes* 55901 (NW Rochester), 55904 (SE Rochester), 55929 (Dover area), and 55976 (Stewartville area) in Olmsted County can register to receive free books, once a month, delivered directly to the child’s home. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library selects sturdy, colorful, age-appropriate books based on the developmental benefit they bring – and for the fun. There is no charge, fee, or donation required or expected from families who enroll. *Delivery permitted to residential addresses in these ZIP codes only.
Parents or guardians can register their child (or children) under age five by using the online registration form below.
Once enrolled, **Please allow at least 8 - 12 weeks for delivery. Not all books are shipped at the same time. Households enrolling children of different ages should expect books for each child to arrive at different times.
To ensure your child's The Dolly Parton Imagination Library books reach their home, please complete a change of address form.
Have you or your child received books from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library? Tell us about your experience with this program by filling out this form!
