Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a book-gifting program available to children birth through age 4 living in Greene County. Your child’s first gift will be a free copy of The Little Engine That Could delivered to their home. After that, your child will receive a carefully selected, age-appropriate book every month until the month of their 5th birthday or they move out of Greene County.
There is no cost to your family to take part in the program. It is free to Greene County residents through generous funding from Partnerships 4 Families and Our Communities Health Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enroll?
Children under age five who are residents of Greene County, Iowa, zip codes 50129, 51462, 50107, 50026, 50217, 50050, 50235, 50128, 50064, and 50059 are eligible to enroll in Imagination Library of Greene County.
What are my responsibilities as a parent or guardian?
To take part in our local Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, you must be a legal resident of Greene County, Iowa.
When your child receives their Imagination Library books, spend time reading together.
If you or your child's address changes, you must update the address to continue receiving books in the mail. You can do so by logging in to the Parent Information Center to update your family’s information.
When will my child receive books?
8 to 10 weeks after your registration form has been received, books will begin arriving at your home. Your child will continue to receive a new book in the mail every month until they turn five or move out of Greene County.
What kind of books can I expect from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library?
Each book contains characteristics like: love of reading and learning; daily routines; values; diversity of others; school readiness; and more! A complete list of themes and concepts sorted by age group can be found in the Themes and Concepts section of the website.
I have more than one child that qualifies for this program. Will they receive the same books every month?
Nope! Children in the same household will not receive the same books...with one exception: the first book is always “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper.
Why don't my kids receive their books on the same day?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library books are mailed in groups based on birth year. While each enrolled child in your household will get a new book every month, the books won’t arrive on the same day for children of different ages.
Can I enroll if I don't live in a Greene County zip code?
If you’re not a resident of Greene County, visit the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library website to check if the program is also available in your area.
More Early Literacy Resources
Books for Babies
One of the best gifts you can give your child is a love of reading! This Friends of the Library literacy program acquaints parents of newborns with the important role they play in the development of their children. By reading to their babies and by becoming regular library users themselves, parents help their babies develop language skills and start them on the path to success in reading and learning.
Visit the Youth Department with your newest arrival and receive two free board books as a congratulations - and as a start to building up your child's early literacy!
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
This incentive-based early literacy program is sponsored by the Jefferson Public Library and Partnerships 4 Families. For every 100 books you read with your child, you will receive a sticker and a small prize.
What if my child wants to read the same book every night?
That still counts toward your reading goal! Studies show that repetition encourages imitation and understanding of concepts that are crucial in early childhood development. Reading aloud and reading with your child every night - even if it is "Llama Llama, Red Pajama" - stimulates important foundational brain development.
How do I get started?
If you're interested in starting the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge, please fill out this Google Form. Once your registration is complete, please download your challenge reading sheets and return each sheet as you complete 100 books to the Youth Department for your sticker and prize. Reading sheets are also available at the library.