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Imagination Library

A Good Idea

Description

In 1996, Dolly Parton began a program in her hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee. Every month, she mailed an age-appropriate book to every child under age 5 in her community. When a child turns 5, they receive their final book, Look Out Kindergarten Here I Come.

This program has been expanded to include other communities across the United States. In order for a community to participate, the community must provide funding for books and mailing, engage in program promotion, and strive to register all preschool age children in their community. The Dollywood Foundation manages the delivery of books to the registered children’s homes.

Books are tailored to be age appropriate and promote certain themes. For example, books delivered to two year olds incorporate body awareness, repetition and predictability to help support language development, and motor skills.

Goal / Mission

The goal of this program is to promote children's imagination, and to nurture children's aspirations and dreams for the future.

Results / Accomplishments

At the end of 2009, 1,086 communities were participating in the imagination library in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In 2009, 6.2 million books were distributed, bringing the overall total number of books administered through the program to 23 million.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Dollywood Foundation
Primary Contact
Pam Hunsaker
The Dollywood Foundation
4009 Citation Dr.
Columbia, MO 65202
573-817-0117
dpilmo@socket.net
http://www.imaginationlibrary.com/usa/contact.php
Topics
Education / Childcare & Early Childhood Education
Education / Literacy
Organization(s)
Dollywood Foundation
Date of implementation
1996
For more details
Target Audience
Children
Miami-Dade Matters