We all know the importance of early childhood development, but not all families have access to the tools or resources they need for their children to have a successful start. For example, 88% of children who are not reading by kindergarten still struggle with language skills in grade 3.

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What is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?

Dolly Parton’s dream was to foster a love of reading among preschoolers and their families. Motivated by her Father who never had the opportunity to learn to read and write, Dolly wanted to ensure that every child would have access to quality books, regardless of their family’s income. This initiative launched was in 1996 is now a national and global program managed by the Dollywood Foundation and brought to you by United Way of Whitman County. 

United Way of Whitman County is committed to childhood development and has made Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library available to children in Whitman County at no cost to their families.

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How does it work?

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails each enrolled child one high-quality, age-appropriate book every month from birth until their 5th birthday. Many families enrolled might not be able to afford such a luxury. To help reach as many children as possible, you can sponsor a child for $26 a year.

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Who chooses the books?

Each year, the esteemed Blue Ribbon Book Selection Committee, a specially selected panel of early childhood literacy experts reviews hundreds of potential titles for inclusion in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

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Who can receive books?

The UWWC sponsors books for any child from birth to age 5 living in Whitman County.

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How much do the books cost and who pays for the books?

There is no cost to the families who receive books. As the proud local affiliate, the United Way of Whitman County pays for the books and the postage and handling to mail books to children’s homes. Our generous community invests in this invaluable program through individual and business donations, with special thanks to the Addium-Meter Foundation, Pullman Rotary Club, Pullman Kiwanis, Daystar Renewable Energy, and the Women's Leadership Guild. If you would like to support growth of the Whitman County Imagination Library, please visit our Donate page,

or click the link below.