Our mission is to improve the lives and future of all people in the Spokane County community. We bring together individuals and organizations with the passion and resources to understand need and ensure opportunities for every individual to reach their human potential.
Early Learning
Dolly Parton's
Imagination Library
Sign Ups:
United Way of Spokane County's Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has gifted 200,000 books to over 1/3 of the children under 5 in Spokane County. In TWO YEARS!​​​
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Important Update: Supporting 11,000+ Local Children Through
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Due to overwhelming demand, we must temporarily pause new online registrations to ensure that the 11,000+ children currently enrolled locally continue receiving their monthly books.
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With the support of our incredible donors and community, our goal is to reopen online enrollment on January 1, 2025. This will restore the convenience of online registration and ensure that more books reach the hands of children and families who need them most.
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Thank you for your understanding and generosity. The United Way of Spokane County team deeply appreciates each of you for making this possible.
Thank you for your support!
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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at a Glance
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The First Book: Every child’s journey begins with “The Little Engine That Could,” personally chosen by Dolly Parton to inspire confidence and perseverance.​
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How It Works:
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Free books for every child in Spokane County from birth to age five.
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Books are age-appropriate, fun, and designed to promote kindergarten readiness and literacy.
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Families are encouraged to read together, fostering a lifelong love of books and learning.
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The Importance of Literacy:
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Literacy is a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of poverty.
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Only about half of Washington State students are reading at grade level, with the greatest challenges in BIPOC and low-income communities.
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Some Spokane County schools report kindergarten readiness rates as low as 9%.
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Access to books is vital, especially for families with limited access to libraries.
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Our Impact:
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Since 2022, the program has served over one-third of eligible children in Spokane County.
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A 2024 pilot study found participants outperformed peers in early literacy benchmarks, particularly in low-income groups.
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Nearly 85% of parents report positive changes in their children’s reading habits.
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Building a Literacy-Rich Community:
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We partner with the Dollywood Foundation, Scholastic, and local organizations like Innovia and AmeriCorps VISTA to provide high-quality books.
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Support from the State of Washington helps sustain and grow the program.
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How You Can Help:
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Help us meet growing demand through donations, grants, or bequests.
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Your contribution ensures children continue to receive free books, building a culture of reading and learning in Spokane County.
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Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
FAQ
When will sign-ups start again?
Our goal is to reopen sign-ups on Jan 1, 2025, with the help of supporters like you. Follow us on social media for updates.
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What is Dolly Parton's Imagination Library?
One of the largest children's literacy programs worldwide, the Imagination Library has gifted over 185 million free books to more than 2 million young readers.
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Are the books available in multiple languages?
Books are primarily in English, but two of the 12 books each year are bilingual (English and Spanish).
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I don't live in Spokane County—can I still sign up?
Yes! The Imagination Library is available in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and Ireland.​​​​
FAQs
What is the cost per child?
Thanks to Spokane County United Way and our partnership with Innovia Foundation, there is NO COST to families receiving books.
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When will my first book arrive?
Your child’s first book will arrive 6-8 weeks after signing up, with a new book arriving each month thereafter. The first book is a special edition of The Little Engine That Could, with a welcome letter from Dolly.
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I received one book but haven't received another—what should I do?
Books are mailed at an economical bulk rate, which doesn't include tracking. If you experience delivery issues, contact your local Postmaster and let them know about the expected books from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.​​
I've Moved—how do I update my address?If you've moved within Spokane County, call United Way at (509) 838-6581 to update your address. If you’ve moved outside Spokane County, check if the program is available at your new location: https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/​​​​
Get some swag!
Buying our merch will help us reopen an sustain enrollment in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Spokane County, providing free books for kids 0-5!
Our stylish, high-quality merchandise is more than just a purchase – it's a symbol of your commitment to making a difference. From cozy t-shirts to trendy accessories, every item supports a great cause.
United Way of Spokane County's Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has gifted 200,000 books to over 1/3 of the children under 5 in Spokane County.​
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Help Us Reopen Enrollment!
Due to overwhelming demand, we must temporarily halt new online registrations to ensure the 11,000+ locally
enrolled children continue receiving their monthly books. We hope to open up online enrollment again on Jan 1, 2025. Thank you for your help. The United Way Team appreciates all of you.
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Just $16 sponsors a child for a year,
and $78 sponsors a child for all five years.
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Premier Sponsorships
Get your name or company name printed on each book
“Sponsored by: Your name or Company” *
• $500 Silver Sponsorship: 1 Month
• $1000 Gold Sponsorship: 2 Months
• $2500 Platinum Sponsorship: 4 Months
Together, we can keep the magic of reading alive for Spokane's young readers.
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Thank you for your support!