Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Graduation Guide

Congratulations to your child on graduating from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Cuyahoga County! While your child may be graduating from Imagination Library, the learning does not stop here. Reading together remains one of the most powerful ways to support literacy, language development, confidence, and school success. We hope this guide helps with the next chapter of your young reader’s journey!

Look Out Kindergarten, Here They Come!

If your child is entering kindergarten, now is a great time to keep building routines around reading, conversation, curiosity, and learning.
Check out our Healthy Family Series program on Tips for a Successful Kindergarten Year with Jasmine Price, M.Ed. from Starting Point.

Keep Nurturing Your Young Reader

Your child may be growing into an independent reader, but your role in their reading journey is still essential.
Reading together, even after your child can read on their own, continues to build skills, confidence, and connection. These shared moments help children understand more complex ideas, strengthen language skills, and develop a lifelong love of reading.

Why Reading Together Still Matters

Reading with your child helps them:

  • Build vocabulary
  • Strengthen listening and comprehension
  • Increase attention span
  • Explore ideas beyond their reading level
  • Grow confidence as a reader
  • Create meaningful family connections

Even confident readers benefit from hearing stories read aloud. It allows them to engage with more advanced language and ideas while enjoying time with you.

Check out these Simple Tips for Promoting Your Child’s Literacy Development.

Keep reading part of your daily routine in ways that feel natural and enjoyable.

  • Read together each day, even for 10 to 15 minutes
  • Take turns reading pages aloud
  • Ask questions and talk about the story
    • What happened in the story?
    • Who was your favorite character?
    • What would you change?
    • What do you think happens next?
  • Start simple chapter books and read one chapter at a time
  • Listen to audiobooks together
  • Explore nonfiction topics your child is curious about

After reading the book, find ways of bringing it to life together

  • Brainstorm a new ending
  • Act out parts of the story

The more books, the better! And As Dolly Parton says, “You can never get enough books into the hands of enough children.”

Studies have shown that a large home library predicts school success in elementary and later years, and children who grow up in homes with many books receive three years more schooling that children in bookless homes, regardless of their parents’ education, occupation, and economic status.

Keep books visible, accessible, and part of everyday life. When children can easily reach books, they are more likely to pick them up and read.

Your Imagination Library books still have value, even as your child grows. Keep their favorites and revisit them as rereading books builds confidence and fluency as children begin reading on their own.

Not sure what to do with other books? Pass books down to:

  • Younger siblings
  • Friends or neighbors
  • Childcare centers
  • Community spaces like laundromats or family centers

You can also donate books to local organizations to help more children build their own home libraries.

BookSmart Digital Library

BookSmart offers free digital books in English, Spanish, and more, along with family learning activities. Watch our video all about BookSmart here.

Bedtime Math

Daily fun math challenges for children ages 3 to 9 help build early math confidence.

Reading Rockets

Research based literacy tips, reading strategies, and family activities.

Family Engagement Series

A collection of virtual presentations on health topics of interest to families with children.

Your local library is one of the best places to continue your child’s reading journey. Libraries offer:

  • Free books, magazines, and audiobooks
  • Storytimes and family programs
  • Summer reading activities
  • Homework help and learning resources

The Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank Community Bookshelves

Families in Cleveland can visit free neighborhood bookshelves stocked with children’s books through the Kids’ Book Bank.

Little Free Libraries

Many neighborhoods also have Little Free Libraries where families can take a book and share a book.

Questions? We’re Here to Help.