When most people hear the name Dolly Parton, they think of her iconic country music voice or her sparky stage presence. But here at Success Won’t Wait, we know that beyond the spotlight of Nashville, Parton has quietly built one of the most impactful literacy initiatives in the world: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Since its founding in 1995, the program has gifted millions of books to children across the globe, helping to foster a love of reading from birth!

How It All Began

Parton grew up in Sevier County, Tennessee, one of 12 children in a working-class family. Her father was unable to read or write, which left a lasting impression on Parton, who saw the many struggles that illiteracy can bring on a daily basis.

In 1995, she launched the Imagination Library in her hometown, with a goal to send a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book each month to every child in Sevier County from birth until age five, all completely free of charge. The hope to give children the tools and exposure to literacy that her own father never had.

It didn’t take long for the program’s impact to spread. Communities across the U.S. began reaching out, asking how they could replicate this model. By 2000, the Imagination Library expanded nationwide and quickly grew internationally.

The Imagination Library Today

Today, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has mailed more than 230 million books to children worldwide. The program currently operates in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia.

In the U.S. alone, the program is available in all 50 states, and more than 2.8 million children are enrolled each month. That’s millions of children building their own home libraries!

Each book is carefully selected by a panel of early childhood literacy experts. Titles are age-specific, ensuring that the content grows along with the child. From classic board books like The Little Engine That Could, to picture books that explore diversity, science, and imagination, the library is designed to promote not only reading skills, but also a love of learning.

This Program Works!

Research has consistently shown that early literacy is a key predictor of future academic success. Children who are read to regularly from birth are more likely to enter school with stronger vocabulary, comprehension, and cognitive skills. They’re also more likely to stay on track with reading milestones like third-grade proficiency, which is a crucial benchmark linked to high school graduation rates. (Click here to learn more about how to ensure third-grade reading proficiency.)

What makes the Imagination Library so effective is its focus on access and consistency. By mailing a new book every month directly to the child’s home, the program removes many common barriers: transportation, cost, and availability. And by starting from birth, the program reaches children during the most critical years of brain development.

How You Can Get Involved

One of the reasons the Imagination Library has grown so successfully is because of its local partnerships. The program operates through a unique model where the central organization (The Dollywood Foundation) handles book selection, procurement, and logistics, and local affiliates cover the cost of mailing, as well as manage community outreach.

Here’s how you can get involved:

Sign up a child – If you have a child under the age of five, visit imaginationlibrary.com to check availability in your area and register. It only takes a few minutes, and the books will begin arriving within a few weeks.

Bring the program to your community. If your area doesn’t yet have access to the Imagination Library, you can help establish a local affiliate. This involves fundraising and forming partnerships with nonprofits, school districts, or businesses willing to support the mailing costs.

Donate or sponsor. Individuals and businesses can donate directly to the Imagination Library or to local affiliates. A single $25 donation can cover the cost of a child’s books for an entire year.

Volunteer Your Time. Many affiliates are looking for help with outreach, community events, or promotion. Check with your local affiliate to see how you can best lend your time.

What began as a heartfelt tribute to her father has become a global movement. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is now one of the largest and most beloved book gifting programs in the world. It’s a reminder that big dreams can come true.   

As Dolly herself often says, “You can never get enough books into the hands of enough children.” Today, 30 years after that first book was sent, her vision continues to empower families, inspire communities, and open doors for children around the world!

About Success Won’t Wait

Founded in 2002, Success Won’t Wait is a not-for-profit literacy organization based in Wilmington, Delaware. Want to learn more about Success Won’t Wait’s literacy projects, how to donate used children’s books in Delaware, or volunteer your time? Click on the About Us tab above.

Read now, because success won’t wait!