We are thankful for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library!

What Is This?

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library provides free books to pre-school age children in order to promote reading and help children learn.

What Do I Do?

If your child lives in Etowah County, register for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library at United Way of Etowah County in Gadsden, Alabama.

Why Should I Register?

It sounds almost too simple to be true, but by reading regularly with your children during their pre-school years, you are giving them the biggest boost toward a successful education they will ever get. There are many reasons parents do not read to their child, but we can eliminate one of them. Every child will have books of their very own, and at no cost to you. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a free gift to our children! All you have to do is read to your children.

Is This Really Free?

Yes, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is completely free. All funds for this program are raised by the Student Success program at United Way of Etowah County. Typically, the majority of these funds come straight from the Girlfriend Gala event. Please click HERE for more information about the Girlfriend Gala.

Who Is Eligible? 

Pre-school children (birth until their 5th birthday) of Etowah County.

What Are My Responsibilities?

1. Be a resident of Etowah County. 
2. Submit an official registration form, completely filled out by parent or guardian (form must be approved and on file with United Way of Etowah County's Student Success). 
3. Notify United Way of Etowah County's Student Success any time your address changes. Books are mailed to the address listed on the official registration form. If the child's address changes, you must contact your friends here in order to continue receiving books. 
4. Read with your child!

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 as long as funds are available until your child turns five or you move out of Etowah County.

Facts About Reading and Young People

• 35% of children arrive at kindergarten unprepared to learn.
• Interaction with his/her environment is a key factor in determining the ease with which a child will learn to read.
• The more words a child hears the larger the child's vocabulary.
• A 1991 study showed that parents who were given books by their doctors were four times more likely to read and share them with their children.
• Reading to your baby encourages the child to associate reading with love and comfort.
• The more you talk and read to your baby the quicker the child will learn.
• The report of the commission on reading states that “the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.
• The key to proficiency in reading is to start early. Begin reading to your child the day he/she is born.

Questions?

Contact Student Success at 256-547-2581 or email to successby6@uwoec.org.