Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Ohio Imagination Library and Dolly Parton's imagination library

It's here! All Warren County children under the age of five may now sign up for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library! It's free, easy to do, and each of your children will receive a free book each month.

Studies show that most of a child’s brain development happens by their 4th birthday. Maximize your child’s potential!

This program is made possible by a cooperative effort of the five Warren County libraries, the Ohio Governor’s Imagination library program, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, in conjunction with the Warren County Foundation.

Book Collage

What is Dolly Parton's Imagination Library?

The Imagination Library provides one free book every month to children from birth to age fourliving in a supported school district. All parents have to do is apply and their eligible child will begin receiving a new book in the mail every month until they turn five.  There are no fees, the books are delivered directly to the child’s home, and the child gets to keep them forever.

Is my child eligible for the Ohio Governor's Imagination Library?

The Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library is open to any child from birth through age four. Children age out of the program on their fifth birthday.

Please note: It takes 8-12 weeks for your child to receive their first book, so if you newly enroll a child who is 4 years and 10 months old, they would probably age out of the program before receiving any books.

How do I register my child for the Ohio Governor's Imagination Library?

Registering your child for the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library takes just five minutes. The fastest way to register is to visit OhioImaginationLibrary.org and click on Enroll. Follow the prompts to enroll your child.

You can also fill out a paper enrollment form by visiting Mason Public Library. Once you fill out the paper enrollment form, simply mail it in to our county affiliate: Mary L. Cook Public Library, 381 Old Stage Rd. Waynesville, OH 45068. If you turn it in at the Mason Public Library, we mail it to them. Again, the fastest way to enroll by far is to do so online.

How does it work?

Your child will receive age-appropriate books, carefully selected by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.*  Once a month, a new book will be mailed directly to your home.  After your child has been registered, the first book will arrive within 8-10 weeks.  This service is provided at no cost to your family until your child’s 5th birthday or you move out of Warren County to an ineligible address.

Why is it important?

Studies show that children who grow up surrounded by books do better in school. The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, for example, found that reading aloud to children at a young age has a positive impact on brain development.

The National Commission on Reading states that “The single most significant factor influencing a child’s early educational success is an introduction to books and being read to at home prior to beginning school.”

It’s the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library’s and Mason Public Library’s goal to give every child possible the advantage of having books and reading opportunities at home. Parents can get an Imagination Library application at Mason Public Library or enroll online.

What books are included in the program?

See the full list of books the Imagination Library mails out!

Who do I contact if I have a question about my child's registration status?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s registration status, please contact the Warren County affiliate by typing in your zip code to receive your Warren County contact information. The person to contact is listed as the Database Manager at that link.  The Database Manager can help with entering wrong birth dates, wrong gender, address issues, or other registration and status questions.

What are my responsibilities as a parent or guardian?

Start by submitting the online registration form or by picking up a paper form at Mason Public Library.

To take part in our local Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, you must be a legal resident of Warren County, Ohio.