Local Children Build Home Libraries with Dolly Parton
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. A child can enroll anytime they are eligible, though they graduate from the program the month of their 5th birthday. 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.
- 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?
- Visit www.imaginationlibrary.com.
- Registration must be completed by the parent or legal guardian of the child.
- Click the "Can I register my child?" link. You can find this link as you scroll the homepage, or under Getting Started, Parent Resources at the top of the webpage.
- Select country and follow additional prompts.
- 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. Children graduate from the program the month of their 5th birthday. A committee with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library selects quality, age-appropriate books. All youth will receive some books, regardless of age, as Dolly Parton and the committee have determined them to be essential additions to a child’s personal library.
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 and online registrations accepted. The local program is presented by the Jewell County Resource Council, contact Amanda Anderson. Submit registration to:
Jewell County Resource Council
408 North Commercial Street
Mankato, KS 66956
(785) 545-5833
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 67455
(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
