This is a book-gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school, no matter their family’s income.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (DPIL) is built on decades of reading research consistently demonstrating that having books at home helps children develop literacy skills. Children from low-income homes across West Virginia deserve access to high-quality, developmentally appropriate books. The Department and Marshall University’s June Harless Center, in partnership with DPIL, is fostering a love of books among West Virginia’s children.
Books are delivered to the home on a monthly basis at no cost to families. The long-term goal of this partnership is to ensure that every child in West Virginia has access to age-appropriate books prior to entering a school.
How the Program Works
Each local affiliate program enrolls children, promotes the program in it's community, and secures the funds for the cost of books and mailing. The Department and the June Harless Center support local affiliate programs by generating state and national public awareness, providing ongoing technical assistance, and providing all startup help to local affiliates. The Dollywood Foundation manages selection, pricing, and distribution of the books.
Program Eligibility
The DPIL program is open for children age five and younger to be registered at any time until their fifth birthday. To enroll, must submit an official registration form.
Receiving Books After Changing Mailing Address
You can still receive your child's books despite changing your mailing address by doing the following:
Once your registration form has been received, please allow 10-12 weeks for books to arrive. Your child will continually receive books until they age out (fifth birthday).
Spread the Word
Do you know a preschool child who is not receiving DPIL books? Share information with families on how to enroll. Donations are accepted to help start and sustain the program in all 55 counties in West Virginia.
Contact Us
Use our contact form to send a message to this program's administrators.