DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) is a free to the family book-gifting program that mails a new, age-appropriate book each month to enrolled children from birth until their 5th birthday.

Any child under 5 who lives in Cuyahoga County can be enrolled.

Why it matters:

  • Builds strong early literacy habits
  • Prepares children for kindergarten
  • Encourages joyful reading routines for families
  • Helps parents connect with their child through stories

How to Enroll

  • Click here for online enrollment
  • Download a form here and mail it to our office
    • Learn more about the Bilingual English/Spanish Book Option here.
  • Apply to Braille Tales and receive free print/braille books here.
  • Download DPIL audio books here.
Books begin arriving 6–11 weeks after enrollment and continue monthly until your child turns 5.

Learn More

“When my son receives a new book it renews his love of learning and ignites his imagination every month. It gives me, as a parent, new ways to talk to him about his feelings and encourage him to learn new skills like sharing and taking turns.”

Imagination Library Parent

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Imagination Library is available to children 4½ years old and younger. Children will receive their last book during the month of their 5th birthday. The program is available throughout Ohio. The Literacy Cooperative manages the program and accepts enrollment forms for Cuyahoga County. If you are not a Cuyahoga County resident, visit imaginationlibrary.com to register your child.

To enroll online, click here and complete the form.

To enroll by mail, download the enrollment form here and mail to the address on the form.

Yes, each child will receive their own age-appropriate books each month.

Books will arrive at slightly different times due to varying sizes and weights. Use this as an opportunity to create and share in the excitement for each sibling the day their book arrives. All children receive the same welcome book, “The Little Engine That Could” as the first book and the same last graduation book, “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!” upon their 5th birthday.

6-11 weeks from the time of enrollment until the first book is received. If a child is enrolled in February, they will likely receive their first book in April.

The books typically arrive the third week of the month. Occasionally they will arrive sooner, and during holiday seasons, there may be some delays. Please remember that they can arrive at any time of the month – even right up to the last day.

Families should update their address with both The Literacy Cooperative and USPS.

To change your address if you moved, you can use your Imagination Library online account – click here for instructions or contact us at contactus@literacycooperative.org with your name, your child’s first and last name, your old address, and your complete new address, with apt. number, if applicable.

Imagination Library checks its database against the USPS National Change of Address database monthly, to keep its information as up-to-date and accurate as possible. If you are moving from one Imagination Library community to another, we will update the information as soon as possible. If there is a program in your new community, we will transfer you.

Important note: since books are shipped at bulk mail rate, the post office will not forward them. You must file a change of address form with us in order to continue to receive your books at your new address.

If you need more assistance call, 216-776-6180.

Contact Imagination Library Director, Joan Spoerl at jspoerl@literacycooperative.org or 217-776-6186.