Free books for children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Every child benefits from being read to, and one great way to foster a love of reading in children is through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

This program provides children with a FREE age-appropriate book, every month, sent directly to your home.

Children who haven’t yet turned five years old are eligible, starting at birth.

You can register your child any time, as long as they are in the appropriate age bracket.

Not every zip code in the country is eligible, so you’ll need to plug in your zip code to check. Check your availability here, and then, if your zip code is eligible, you can register your child.

42 counties in North Carolina had to pause registration in 2025 due to lack of funding, but with the passage of the state budget in 2026, ALL counties in North Carolina are now accepting new registrations.

The local affiliate’s role:

• Enrolls local children ages 0-5 years old
• Pays a small amount per child per month (currently $2.60), toward the wholesale books and mailing costs
• Promotes the program locally to drive enrollment and to gain funding

Dolly Parton’s imagination Library’s role:

• Covers all overhead and admin expenses
• Provides Book Order System database and support
• Coordinates Blue Ribbon Book Selection Committee
• Coordinates monthly book order and fulfillment
• Handles the wholesale purchasing of books