Help Support Our Mission
Did you know that with the state match, for only $15.50 you can provide an Imagination Library book to a child each month for 1 year? And only $77.50 for 5 years! This is a great way to play a part in making the future brighter for children and families in your community.
If you’d like to support a California Local Program Partner directly, you can select them when filling out the form.
Imagination Library of California
The goal of the statewide expansion is to inspire a love of reading by making books available to all children from birth to age 5 in every zip code in California, regardless of the family’s income. Currently, 7.2% of eligible children in the state are receiving books, thanks in part to generous match funding from the State of California. As of March 2026, the Imagination Library has expanded to 42 counties across our great state — bringing us closer than ever to reaching every eligible child in California!
Receive a Free Book Every Month
Enroll your child in the Imagination Library and receive a FREE, age-appropriate book once per month. Check availability in your area and register your child today! Registration takes less than five minutes.
Early Literacy Matters!
By gifting children high-quality books starting at birth, all children have access to developmentally appropriate reading materials at no cost to the family and regardless of the family’s income. Built on decades of research, the Imagination Library is rooted in the knowledge that having books at home fosters a love of books and helps children develop literacy skills early in life.
2.9 Million
books and counting have been delivered in California since 2023
163,104
California children currently receiving books
7.2%
of children in California under 5 are currently enrolled
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How it Works
Each month, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails a high-quality, age-appropriate book to all registered children, addressed to them, at no cost to the child’s family. Countless parents have shared how excited their child is when their new book arrives each month. Many groups and individuals work hard behind the scenes to make that special moment possible for each child.
The Imagination Library provides the infrastructure of the core program including managing the secure central database for the Book Order System and coordinating book selections and wholesale purchasing. It also incurs the cost of the program’s administrative expenses and coordinates the monthly mailings.
Help Us Reach Every Child In California
The Imagination Library of California is on its way to becoming available in every parish! Community programs raise 50% and the State matches 50%. As more children enroll, community programs must raise more funds to keep the momentum going and ensure that every child in every zip code is eligible to register for free books.
CA In The News
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Program Launches in Imperial County
IMPERIAL — The Imperial Valley will soon welcome a major new investment in early childhood reading as Soroptimist International of El Centro prepares to launch the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library across the region. Ahead of the official rollout, local organizers are inviting families to a new holiday literacy celebration at the Imperial Public Library—an event designed to bring communities together around books, learning, and festive cheer.
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Education Matters: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library delivers books to Fresno County children
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – In Fresno County, at least 60% of third graders are struggling to read at grade level.
Educators say many grew up without books in the home, but a program started by Dolly Parton has books going to kids who need them.
“One of the reasons I love her, she’s just the sweetest person ever, at least of the things I know about her,” Fresno County parent Summer Session-Plevney said.
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California is proud to be among the first states bringing DPIL’s Bilingual (English/Spanish) Book Option to Families
How many children can you, your business, or organization sponsor?
Click below to help put more books into the hands of children in California!
Team California
Melinda Ramos-Alatorre
State Director
Kalifa Madden
Communications Manager
Tom Burley
Partnerships Manager
Hallie Anderson – NorCal
Community Engagement Coordinator
Manisha Braithwaite – Los Angeles
Community Engagement Coordinator
Erika Gamboa Martinez – Central
Community Engagement Coordinator
Chrissy Green – San Diego
Community Engagement Coordinator
Melinda Ramos-Alatorre
State Director
Kalifa Madden
Communications Manager
Tom Burley
Partnerships Manager
Hallie Anderson – NorCal
Community Engagement Coordinator
Manisha Braithwaite – Los Angeles
Community Engagement Coordinator
Erika Gamboa Martinez – Central
Community Engagement Coordinator
Chrissy Green – San Diego
Community Engagement Coordinator