30 Years of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Happy birthday to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library! Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is turning 30. To celebrate, United Way of Yellowstone County hosted Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Birthday Bash! This fun event celebrated the 30 years that the Imagination Library has given free books to kids 0-5. Since its creation The Imagination Library has mailed almost 300 millions books total. As the local partner, United Way of Yellowstone County is proud to celebrate and continue our work of helping families sign up and ensuring that books are given to their recipients. 

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library reaches more children than any other early childhood  book gifting program. United Way of Yellowstone County ensures that members of the local community can participate by promoting DPIL, encouraging families to sign up, and assisting with any issues or barriers that may arise during the process. 

So far, UWYC has assisted 1,000 new members in signing up, and is on course to distribute 50,000 books in the next year. By supporting this program, United Way of Yellowstone County is working towards our larger goal of improving literacy for kids. Both DPIL and UWYC emphasize the importance of early childhood literacy, encouraging a love of reading that starts at an early age. 

Why does reading matter?

Reading matters for everyone of all ages, but ages 0-5 are of particular importance. This is a crucial window to introduce a variety of new vocabulary, emotional and social themes, as well as bonding time with caregivers. In reading a single book per day, parents expose their children to an extra 290,000 words by the age of five. Introducing reading early sets children up for a lifetime of success. 

United Way of Yellowstone County recognizes this need for children, and by supporting DPIL we are working to decrease barriers related to obtaining books and reading. Our other programs such as CARE Academy and Discover Zone continue this emphasis on reading all the way through middle school.

A Community Program

On June 21st The Billings Public Library filled up with young readers eager to celebrate this beloved program that provides books to more than 4,300 kids in Yellowstone County. Singing, coloring, dancing, and a costume contest filled the day as children expressed their love for reading and Dolly herself. 

Thank you to NonStop Local and KTVQ for covering the party. Check out NonStop Local's recap here and KTVQ's recap here.