Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Free Books Every Month for Children Five and Under
Do you have a child five years old or younger? If so, they can receive a brand-new book in the mail every month at no cost.
Thanks to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, families in Santa Clara County can receive high-quality, age-appropriate books for free. It's an easy and fun program that will spark your child's love for reading and learning—one book at a time.
How it Works
Step One
Enroll your child online through the Santa Clara County District Library's website.
Step Two
In about six to eight weeks, your child will receive their first book in the mail.
Step Three
Each month, a new, age-appropriate book will arrive until your child’s 5th birthday.
It’s that simple!
About the Program
Founded in 1995 by legendary singer and philanthropist Dolly Parton, the Imagination Library was created with a simple yet powerful mission: to inspire a love of reading by making books accessible to all young children, regardless of family income.
What began in Dolly’s hometown in Tennessee has grown into a worldwide movement. To date, the program has mailed over 200 million books to children across the United States and beyond. Each book is carefully chosen to be engaging, age-appropriate, and supportive of early literacy skills.
Now, thanks to this expansion, families in San José and throughout Santa Clara County can take part in this incredible program—bringing the joy of books straight into their homes at no cost. To learn more, visit the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library's website., opens a new window
Founded in 1995 by legendary singer and philanthropist Dolly Parton, the Imagination Library was created with a simple yet powerful mission: to inspire a love of reading by making books accessible to all young children, regardless of family income.
What began in Dolly’s hometown in Tennessee has grown into a worldwide movement. To date, the program has mailed over 200 million books to children across the United States and beyond. Each book is carefully chosen to be engaging, age-appropriate, and supportive of early literacy skills.
Now, thanks to this expansion, families in San José and throughout Santa Clara County can take part in this incredible program—bringing the joy of books straight into their homes at no cost. To learn more, visit the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library's website., opens a new window
A Perfect Pair: Two Programs, One Goal
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library pairs beautifully with San José Public Library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.
Together, these programs help families:
- Develop strong daily reading routines
- Expand children’s vocabulary and imagination
- Create joyful family memories
- Prepare children for school success
Take the first step
Enroll in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and join the fun of 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten with your local San José Public Library branch. These programs give children the best gift of all—a lifelong love of reading.
