The Imagination Library

Contact Information

Washington & Benton County

501-420-2457

Organization Information

What is the organization's mission statement?

The mission of the Arkansas Imagination Library is to increase early literacy and school readiness across Arkansas by ensuring that all young children in the state can participate in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library . The program believes reading begins at birth and that home libraries provide benefits that go far beyond just the physical books.

Tell us about your organization (how did it start, how is it run)?

After launching in 1995, the program grew quickly. First books were only distributed to children living in Sevier County, Tennessee where Dolly grew up. It became such a success that in 2000 a national replication effort was underway. By 2003 Dolly Parton's Imagination Library had mailed one million books. It would prove to be the first of many millions of books, sent to children around the world. Dolly's home state of Tennessee pledged to pursue statewide coverage in 2004, and global expansion was on the horizon. After the United States, the program launched in Canada in 2006 followed by the United Kingdom in 2007, Australia in 2013, and the Republic of Ireland in 2019. 

What services does the organization provide?

Imagination Library mails one free, age-appropriate book every month from birth to age 5.

How can people get involved (volunteer opportunities)?

Currently, out of the 75 counties in Arkansas, Washington County is the only one that does not have a giver-funded shipping partner for the $1.30 shipping charges per child per month. By spreading the word to individuals, civic organizations, local municipalities, businesses, and so many more; donations can be taken online or sent to our North Little Rock location. There are QR codes for both enrollments and Donation channels on our website at arkansasimaginationlibrary.org.