Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they turn five, no matter their family’s income.
There are many reasons parents do not read to their children, but we can eliminate one of those reasons: a lack of books within the home. In 1995, Dolly Parton launched an exciting new effort, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, to benefit the children of her home county in East Tennessee, USA. Dolly’s vision was to foster a love of reading among her county’s preschool children and their families.
Through the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, children in Hancock County will have books of their own…at no cost to the family! A new carefully selected book will be mailed, in the child’s name, to his or her home each and every month from birth until he or she turns five years of age. Titles are chosen by a blue ribbon panel of educators, are age appropriate, and have concepts that build upon each other. All children, regardless of household income are eligible for the program. Should a child move out of Hancock County, he/she is deleted from the program unless the family moves to another community that participates in the Imagination Library program.
Since the first mailing in November 2014, over 134,000 books have been mailed to children here in Hancock County. There are currently over 2,300 children enrolled in the program. $25 sponsors one child for one year (12 new books) and $125 sponsors one child for all five years (60 new books).
Donations may be made at the Circulation Desk at the Main Library, at the Arlington Branch Library, the Bookmobile, or by mail at Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, Gift of Reading, 206 Broadway, Findlay, Ohio 45840. If you wish to make an in-person donation but don't wish to come inside the library, you can use our curbside service. When you get to the library, park in one of the numbered curbside spaces right outside the door and call 419-434-1047. Let us know you're here with a donation for Gift of Reading, and we'll be right out to help you.
If you have any questions, please call us at 419-422-1712.