Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Waltham, MA
A free, brand-new book mailed to every Waltham child, every month, from birth to age five.
A year of books for about $31
That covers twelve new, age-appropriate books mailed straight to a Waltham child's front door. Kids who grow up with books at home arrive at kindergarten more ready to learn, and every dollar we raise stays here in Waltham.
Donate
Free for every Waltham family
Any child under five who lives in Waltham can sign up. Each month a book arrives addressed to your child, for you to read together, until their fifth birthday. There's no cost and no catch.
We're getting our Waltham program off the ground now, and online enrollment is opening soon.
EnrollA simple program with a big impact
The Imagination Library has mailed hundreds of millions of books over more than 25 years. Here's why it works so well.
Proven effective
Peer-reviewed studies link enrollment to stronger kindergarten readiness, with the biggest gains for kids who need it most.
See the researchBuilt to scale
The Dollywood Foundation handles book selection, printing and mailing, so local volunteers can focus on reaching families.
How it worksCost-effective
Buying books at national scale keeps the cost to about $2.60 per book, shipping included.
The economicsConvenient
Books come straight to the mailbox. Families don't need to make trips, pay fees or keep track of deadlines.
Read the FAQsHelp us launch in Waltham
We're looking for local sponsors, community partners and volunteers to help us reach every young child in the city.
Become a partner