In 1995, the Dollywood Foundation implemented Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Sevier County, Tennessee. This monthly book gifting program for children under five focused on inspiring a love of books and reading for all preschool children in the county. What was founded as a local program grew into an international movement through the unique partnership among the Dollywood Foundation, the publisher, the fulfillment centres and the thousands of local organizations who adopted the programme. The Imagination Library continues to be the signature program of the Dollywood Foundation.
Source Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. (2015). The Dollywood Foundation. [online] Available at: https://imaginationlibrary.com/the-dollywood-foundation/ [Accessed 2 Sept. 2026].
Since 2014 the Rotary Clubs of the Illawarra, under the banner "Imagination Library Illawarra", have been distributing books to the children of the Illawarra. As of May 2026 on average 180 books are posted out each month by United Way Australia on behalf of Imagination Library Illawarra. Many of these books will be read by/to other family members.
The project relies completely on public donations, Rotary Club donations, fundraising events and grants from local organisations such as the IMB Bank.
Some feedback from book recipients (November 2025):
• “The arrival of the new book is a highlight for our daughter each time, helping her to appreciate books as something precious. Reading through it together has become an enjoyable routine for her — as well as for us.”
• “The Imagination Library books have been very beneficial for my child’s reading development. Moyan looks forward to story time and is becoming more confident with new words. We particularly appreciate the stories about Australian Indigenous culture and Dreamtime, as they have helped my child develop an understanding and appreciation of different cultures. He really enjoys receiving a new story every month and loves sharing it with the family.”
• “It’s a wonderful way of learning a new language. My child grasps new vocabulary from these books, and they also help develop creativity and imagination. I’m very pleased to receive these books — thank you!”
• “The books encouraged Sahira to read more and improved her vocabulary. She enjoyed the stories, learned new words, and we are really thankful to the Imagination Library for these wonderful books.”
• “My child gets so excited to receive a new book each month. These books have really encouraged my child to enjoy reading.”
• “First, I would like to say thank you so much for the wonderful free books we receive every month from the Imagination Library! We truly appreciate your generosity — your program helps inspire a love of reading, especially in my child. When she was between one and three years old, her speech was very limited, and I was worried about her development. Every night she loved bedtime stories, and now, at four years old, she can speak hundreds of words and can even read sentences. She’s now ready for kindergarten next year! I’m so thankful to the Hub for encouraging us to join community programs. The Imagination Library is such a special gift that fosters a love of reading and brings excitement each time a new story arrives.”
• “Neel takes the initiative to bring books to me and asks me to read to him. He enjoys the stories and asks so many questions. Thank you!”
