Dolly Parton Imagination Library available to Local Children

Nora Rhodes, Family and Youth Development Agent

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a literacy program for young children. The program is available to the youngest residents in the Post Rock Extension District (Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne and Smith Counties).

What Is It?

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a 60 volume set of books. Each month a new, carefully selected book will be mailed, in your child’s name, directly to your home. By mailing high quality, age-appropriate books directly to a child’s home, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library encourages children and their families to be excited about books and to feel the magic that books can create. Reading is a valuable experience for young learners as it promotes positive brain development, helps a child understand the world around them, and enhances positive relationships with the caring adults they rely on. To learn more about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library visit www.imaginationlibrary.com.

Who Is Eligible?

Preschool children ages birth to five who are residents of a county with an active Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. All counties in the Post Rock Extension District have an active program. These counties include Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne and Smith.

Is There A Cost?

Books received through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library are a FREE GIFT! There is no cost or obligation to your family. The Dane G. Hansen Foundation graciously provides financial support for the local programs.

What Are My Responsibilities?

-        Be a resident of the county program you are enrolling in.

-        Submit an official registration form, completely filled out by parent or legal guardian. In some cases, online registration is accepted.

-        Notify your county’s program manager any time your address changes, or make changes via your online parent account. Books are mailed to the address listed on the official registration form. It is your responsibility to properly report an address change in order to continue receiving books.

-        Read with your child.

How Do I Register Online?

-        Please note that online registration is only available in some counties.

-        Visit www.imaginationlibrary.com.

-        Registration must be completed by the parent or legal guardian of the child.

-        Click the "register my child" link located at the top of the webpage.

-        Select country.

-        Complete the four-step process to register your child (terms & conditions; check availability; check eligibility; parent's information).

-        After registering, pending/activation confirmation messages will be sent to the listed email address.

-        Information about how to access your parent account will also be emailed. 

When Will I Receive Books?

Eight to ten weeks after your registration form has been received, books will begin arriving at your home and will continue until your child turns five or you move out of the county you are enrolled in.

Additional Questions?

To find out more about registering your young child for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, contact any Post Rock Extension District Office or email Nora Rhoades, Family and Youth Development Agent, at nrhoades@ksu.edu.

How Can I Help Promote This Program?

Contact Nora Rhoades, Family and Youth Development Agent, to discuss promoting the literacy program at your organization or business. She is willing to schedule a time to present to your group about this program and the value reading brings into the lives of our earliest learners. Nora can be reached at the Post Rock District – Osborne Office at 785-346-2521 or by email at nrhoades@ksu.edu.

County Specific Registration Information

Jewell County, KS ― Paper registration must be completed to enroll. Submit registration to the Jewell County Resource Council, contact Amanda Anderson.

Lincoln County, KS ― Paper and online registrations accepted. The Friends of the Lincoln Carnegie Library and the Lincoln County Health Department present the local program. Submit registration to:

Lincoln County Health Department

114 West Court Street

P.O. Box 187

Lincoln, KS

(785) 524-4406

Mitchell County, KS ― Paper and online registrations accepted. The local program is presented by the Post Rock Extension District and the Mitchell County Community Foundation. Submit registration to:

Post Rock Extension District – Beloit Office

115 S. Hersey

Beloit, KS 67420

Mitchell County Courthouse Basement

(785) 738-3597

Osborne County, KS ― Paper and online registrations accepted. The local program is presented by the Post Rock Extension District and the Osborne Community Foundation Inc. Submit registration to:

Post Rock Extension District – Osborne Office

113 N. 1st Street

Osborne, KS 67473

(785) 346-2521

Smith County, KS ― Paper and online registrations accepted. The local program is presented by the Post Rock Extension District and Smith Center Elementary. Submit registration to:

Post Rock Extension District – Smith Center Office

P.O. Box 287

Smith Center, KS 66967

Smith County Courthouse Basement

(785) 282-6823