Beginning today, all children under the age of five in Spokane County are now eligible to receive a free book each month in the mail through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, thanks to new affiliate Spokane County United Way. Spokane County represents the fourth largest county in Washington State, boasting an early learner population (0-5) of over 30,000 children who are now eligible to enroll in the Imagination Library and ignite their love of reading and books.

Spokane County United Way’s Director of Resource Development Andrea Mackin states, “we are so excited to be able to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to children and families across Spokane County! Free books beginning the day a child is born is an incredibly powerful early learning support that will help all families participate in the important first steps toward kindergarten readiness. A free book each month for the first five years of a child’s life truly helps set our children up for success in school and life. Sign up your littlest learners at www.unitedwayspokane.org/freebooks.”

To date, over 30,000 Washington children are receiving free monthly books. As momentum continues to build, the goal of achieving 150,000 kids enrolled in the Imagination Library in Washington by June of 2023 is well within reach. According to The Dollywood Foundation, Washington is on track to take the national record for the fastest state to complete full coverage if accomplished by year-end.

“I predict so many households will be uplifted, families engaged, and children inspired through participation in the Imagination Library, thanks to our wonderful hero affiliate, Spokane County United Way,” says Brooke Fisher-Clark, Imagination Library of Washington Executive Director.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sends a free, age-appropriate book monthly to every child enrolled in the program from birth to age 5. This early literacy program provides equitable access to books, increases Kindergarten readiness, and fosters a love of reading and books amongst our youngest learners. 

Dolly’s inspiration behind creating the Imagination Library in 1995 in her home state of Tennessee can be attributed to her father and his inability to read. Inspiring kids to love to read became her mission and to-date, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has gifted over 188 million books to children all over the world.

To follow Imagination Library of Washington’s exciting expansion progress and to check program availability in your community, visit www.imaginationlibrarywashington.org.