WASHINGTON – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which sends a free, age-appropriate book to children once a month, every month from birth to age 5, is now fully or partially available in all 39 counties across Washington.
Founded by Dolly Parton in 1995, the program operates by partnering with affiliate programs to provide this service to children living within the coverage areas.
“Early literacy is incredibly important for children’s development,” State Superintendent Chris Reykdal said. “By providing books to all children at no cost to families, the Imagination Library is removing barriers and setting up children for success in school and beyond. I am grateful to have the opportunity to support this critical program for our young learners.”
Last June, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed a law creating the Imagination Library of Washington, that helps develop and sustain affiliate programs in each county in the state. Last week, the last two counties that did not have access to the Imagination Library (Mason & Thurston) were provided access, making the program at least partially available in all 39 counties in the Evergreen state.
The Imagination Library is now fully available to families living in 33 counties, while six counties – Adams, Grant, King, Pierce, Skagit, and Snohomish – have partial coverage.
“This is such an exciting time for the Imagination Library of Washington team and affiliates, as we are nearing the finish line of full statewide program coverage,” said Brooke Fisher-Clark, Executive Director of the Imagination Library of Washington. “The impacts of this program are vast and powerful, and we cannot wait until the moment every single early learner in our state has this opportunity.”
Local Programs
The Twin County United Way launched the program in October of last year in Asotin County (WA) and Nez Perce County (ID). To register your child in either of these counties, visit www.tcuw.org.
In Whitman County, the program affiliate is the United Way of Whitman County (UWCC). Parents in Whitman County who wish to sign up their child for the program can do so online at www.whitmanunited.org/imaginationlibrary.
