More children between the ages of birth up to five years old in San Juan County can sign up to receive a free book in the mail each month from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, as Friends of the Orcas Island Library becomes a new affiliate program. The Imagination Library mails high quality, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth to five years old, free to the family. This early literacy program is proven to achieve equitable access to books, increase school readiness, foster a love of reading and books, and improve family engagement.

“Yippee, it’s time to celebrate again, as my favorite activity is happening…program activation of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for more Washington children! Congratulations to Friends of the Orcas Island Library for stepping up as an affiliate, providing the opportunity for Orcas Island region children to receive free books sent to their home each month, and thanks to United Way of San Juan County, their main funding partner for making this possible. What an admirable collaboration for the benefit of our children,” stated Executive Director of the Imagination Library of Washington, Brooke Fisher-Clark.

Friends of the Orcas Island Library joins current program affiliate, The Lopez Island Library, in providing San Juan County families the exciting opportunity to enroll their young children for free monthly books.

Orcas Island Children's Librarian Jenny De Groot states, "we are thrilled to bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to island children and their families this coming year!  Thanks to a partnership with the United Way of San Juan County, Friends of Orcas Island Library, and The Dollywood Foundation, children will be eligible to receive a free book each month in the mail from birth to five years of age.  What joy this will bring children to receive books specifically addressed to them, books they can keep and share with their families, and books that will develop an early love of reading to last a lifetime!"  

Families can register their children for the Imagination Library in San Juan County by visiting orcaslibrary.org/DPIL.

To date, over 40,000 Washington children are receiving free monthly books. Imagination Library of Washington’s statewide goal is to enroll 150,000 children by June of 2023, and achieving this milestone will uplift, inspire, and prepare children for success in school and beyond. To follow Imagination Library of Washington’s exciting expansion progress and to check program availability in your community, visit www.imaginationlibrarywashington.org.