You’ve probably seen the kid in the park with a book that looks like it was picked just for him—his name printed in bold on the cover. That’s the magic of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that started in 1995 in Sevier County, Tennessee, and now ships over 3.5 million books a month to kids across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia and Ireland.
The library’s founder, Dolly Parton, grew up watching her father, a bright man who could not read or write, and she wondered what a life would be like if he had that skill. That simple question became the seed for a gift that erases such barriers for today’s children.
Every book is chosen by age, personalized with the child’s name, and delivered free of charge, no matter the family’s income. The tactile feel of a new cover, the scent of fresh paper—those sensory moments become daily rituals that children look forward to.
Since 1995, the program has gifted more than 325 million books—a number that grows by the minute as new families sign up. The impact? Kids who read early are more confident, perform better in school, and carry those habits into adulthood.
If you’re a parent, teacher, or simply a book lover, you can sign up your own child or donate a book in your community. The sign‑up process is quick: visit the official website, fill in a few details, and start receiving a book right away.
For those who want to spread even more joy, consider hosting a local book drive or partnering with a library to host a reading event. Your small act of sharing can spark a lifelong love of learning and give your child that confidence boost Dolly Parton imagined for every child in her hometown.