Imagination Library of Washington

Imagination Library of Washington, the statewide partner of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, has inspired a love of reading for more than 120,000 Washington children and growing since the statewide program was born in 2022. Powered by United Ways of the Pacific Northwest and in partnership with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and Washington State Dept. of Children, Youth & Families, Imagination Library of Washington is committed to increasing early literacy opportunities for all Washington children from birth to age five through the Imagination Library.

As Dolly Parton often says, “you can never get enough books into the hands of enough children,” and Washington’s 46 local programs partners across the state work tirelessly to ensure young children have every opportunity to experience the magic of receiving a monthly book in the mail, address to them, from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Imagination Library of Washington celebrated a huge milestone in September 2024, gifting more than 3 MILLION books to children since the first local program was established in 2005. 

One Washington parent stated, “It's been a huge help to have a pre-selected, new book arrive each month. Our kid is always excited about a new book, and they have made a noticeable difference in recognizing emotions, learning to count, and learning new words! This is a wonderful program that makes a huge impact, and I hope it can continue forever!” 

For many of these families, the books delivered to their mailbox every month are the very first they’ve ever owned. These books do more than ignite a love of reading—they build the foundational literacy skills essential for kindergarten readiness, academic achievement, and long-term success.

Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write, Dolly Parton started the Imagination Library in 1995 to serve the children of her hometown in Sevier County, Tennessee. Today, her program spans five countries and gifts over 3 million free, high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to children around the world.

While families never pay for the books their children receive, the gift of reading isn’t free to provide. Each book costs just $2.60—but it takes a team effort to make it possible. Local Program Partners cover half the cost for every child in their community, and Imagination Library of Washington funds the remaining half through support from the legislature. Together, we ensure every child in Washington can open their mailbox to find a free, high-quality book each month—no matter where they live.

All children under five in Washington can register for free books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library by visiting www.imaginationlibrarywashington.org.