Support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library In Kern

Give the gift of literacy

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library - Kern County

Welcome to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program in Kern County, an initiative aimed at fostering a lifelong love for reading among our youngest residents. Established by the iconic country singer Dolly Parton in 1995, this transformative program provides free, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, regardless of their family's income. By nurturing a passion for reading, we are setting the stage for a brighter future for these children and our community. This free book gifting program provides all children regardless of income one free book each month for twelve months until age 5.

Program Overview:

Enrollment: Parents or guardians can sign up their children aged 0 to 5 online at Kern Literacy Councils website.
Book Delivery: Once registered, each child receives one free, carefully selected book every month, delivered directly to their home.
Diverse Selection: The program offers a wide variety of books, promoting a love for reading and exposing children to different genres and cultures.

Since September 2023, over 8,000 children in Kern County have enrolled in the program and counting.

Support and Donations:

For just $13 per child per year, you can provide a child with one free book each month for an entire year through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program in Kern County.
The program's costs are covered by the generous support of the Kern Literacy Council and community sponsors.
The Kern Literacy Council serves as the fiscal agent for this program, ensuring that all donations go directly to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and stay within Kern County.

Legislative Support:

Senate Bill 1183, co-authored by CA State Senator Shannon Grove, marks a significant step in advancing childhood literacy in California.
The bill, supported by Governor Gavin Newsom, establishes the Imagination Library of California Statewide Program, providing age-appropriate books to young readers across all 58 counties.
The 2022-23 state budget includes $68.2 million in one-time funding to support this initiative, in collaboration with The Dollywood Foundation and the State Librarian.

Join us in fostering literacy and academic success in Kern County. Together, we can build a stronger community, one book at a time.

For more information on how to enroll your child, become a community sponsor, or make a donation, please visit the Kern Literacy Council website.