Local Free Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program for Early Literacy Hits Financial Roadblocks

The local free Dolly Parton Imagination Library mail-in literacy program for young children has hit financial roadblocks with a fundraising effort now underway to keep the program alive.

“Dear Imagination Library Families/Supporters,” a message sent out by Jacqueline Santoro from the United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra and forwarded to Our Town Reno indicates.

“We are writing to inform you of an important update regarding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) in Washoe County. Due to a lack of funding, we regret to share that your child’s book deliveries will be paused starting with the December 2025 book. Additionally, NEW registrations for Washoe County are paused effective immediately.

During this time, currently enrolled families can still access their Parent Account online (https://imaginationlibrary.com/parentArea/) to make any updates – address changes, transfer requests, etc., but changes within these counties will not be reflected until new funding is secured for your region.

The Imagination Library has been a cornerstone of early literacy in our community, providing free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five. This program has had a profound impact - significantly increasing the number of parents reading to their children daily. Please know that we are working in collaboration with the Nevada Reading Coalition, the Rotary Club of Reno, and the Rotary Club of Sparks to actively fundraise and restore the program in the coming months.

We deeply appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work to bring this valuable resource back to families. We remain committed to ensuring all children in these counties have access to the early literacy resources they deserve.

If you have any questions, please reach out to DPIL@uwnns.org.”

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library had been mailing free books monthly to children from birth until their fifth birthday.

“The Imagination Library helps improve children's reading skills, promotes family bonding time, and fosters a love for reading,” the website indicates.

“By participating in the Imagination Library, children are given the opportunity to build their home library, create lasting memories with their family, and inspire a love of reading that lasts a lifetime!

The Imagination Library is made possible by the Northern Nevada Reading Coalition, a group of community partners committed to early childhood literacy in northern Nevada.”

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