A Free Book Every Month. A Lifetime of Possibilities.
Imagine the excitement of your child opening the mailbox and discovering a brand-new book addressed just to them!
Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, children throughout El Paso and Teller counties can receive a FREE, high-quality, age-appropriate book delivered directly to their home every month, from birth until their fifth birthday.
There is no cost to enroll, no shipping charge, and no income requirement. Just wonderful books for your child to enjoy, keep, and treasure.
The Pikes Peak Early Literacy Foundation is proud to support this remarkable program for families throughout our region.
How Does the Imagination Library Work?
It’s simple! Once your child is enrolled, the magic of reading comes right to your mailbox.
1. Enroll Your Child
Parents or guardians register their child online. Enrollment is free and only takes a few minutes.
Every child under the age of five living in El Paso or Teller County is eligible, regardless of family income.
Have more than one child under five? Each eligible child can enroll separately and receive their own books!
2. Watch Your Mailbox
After your child’s registration is processed, their first book typically arrives within 6–10 weeks.
After that, your child will receive a new book approximately once a month, addressed especially to them.
There’s nothing to order, no books to select, and no monthly forms to complete.
3. Enjoy Reading Together
Each book is carefully selected to match your child’s age and developmental stage.
From colorful board books for babies to engaging stories for preschoolers, the Imagination Library helps build a wonderful home library as your child grows.
Read together at bedtime, during quiet afternoons, or whenever you have a few minutes to share a story.
4. Keep Every Book!
The books are yours to keep — forever!
There are no due dates, no returns, and absolutely no fees. Your child can enjoy their books again and again, building a personal library and a lifelong love of reading.
Books continue arriving through the month of your child’s fifth birthday.
Who Can Participate?
The Imagination Library is available to children who meet these simple requirements:
- Age: Your child must be younger than five years old.
- Residence: Your child must live in El Paso or Teller County, Colorado.
- Enrollment: A parent or legal guardian must register the child using a valid mailing address.
That’s it!
There are no income limits, no applications for financial assistance, and no requirement to demonstrate financial need.
Whether your child is a newborn or approaching their fifth birthday, we encourage you to enroll.
What Kinds of Books Will My Child Receive?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library works with early childhood and literacy experts to select high-quality books that encourage imagination, curiosity, and a love of reading.
As your child grows, the books grow with them.
Babies and Toddlers (Birth–2 Years)
Colorful illustrations, simple words, rhymes, and engaging stories help introduce little ones to language, sounds, and the joy of books.
Young Preschoolers (Ages 2–3)
Stories become more interactive, encouraging children to recognize familiar objects, learn new words, and explore the world around them.
Older Preschoolers (Ages 4–5)
Longer stories, imaginative adventures, and books exploring friendship, feelings, and new experiences help children build confidence and prepare for kindergarten.
Every book is selected with your child’s stage of development in mind.
Why Is Reading Together So Important?
The first five years of a child’s life are an extraordinary period of learning and development.
Reading together helps children develop vocabulary, language and listening skills, curiosity, imagination, and a deeper connection with the adults who care for them.
And you don’t need to be an expert reader or teacher to make a difference!
Talk about the pictures. Ask questions. Make funny voices. Let your child turn the pages. Read favorite stories again and again.
Just a few minutes of reading together each day can help create a lifetime of learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the program really free?
Yes! Completely free. There is no enrollment fee, no postage charge, and no cost for any of the books your child receives.
The program is made possible through support from the State of Colorado, the Pikes Peak Early Literacy Foundation, and generous donors and sponsors throughout our community.
How long will it take for my child’s first book to arrive?
Please allow approximately 6–10 weeks after enrollment for your first book to arrive. Books are ordered and shipped on a monthly schedule, so delivery is not immediate.
Once deliveries begin, your child should receive approximately one book each month.
Do I need to sign up every year?
No. Once your child’s enrollment is active, books will continue arriving automatically until the month of their fifth birthday, provided your mailing information remains current.
Can I enroll more than one child?
Absolutely! Every eligible child in your household can participate.
Each child must be registered separately and will receive books selected for their age.
What happens if we move?
It’s important to update your mailing address as soon as possible, preferably before you move.
Imagination Library books are not forwarded by the U.S. Postal Service.
You can update your child’s address through the Imagination Library Parent Area or contact your local program administrator for assistance.
If you move outside El Paso or Teller County, your child’s eligibility will depend on whether the Imagination Library operates in your new community.
What if my child is already four years old?
Enroll anyway!
Your child can still receive wonderful books until the month of their fifth birthday. The earlier you enroll, the more books your child can enjoy.
What if a book doesn’t arrive?
Books may arrive on different days each month, so don’t worry if your neighbor receives a book before you do.
If a book is missing or you haven’t received your first book after the expected enrollment period, check your child’s registration status and mailing address through the Parent Area.
You can also contact us for assistance.
Ready to Enroll Your Child?
Give your child the gift of reading — absolutely FREE!
Every child deserves the chance to discover new stories, explore new ideas, and experience the excitement of receiving a book of their very own.
Enrollment is simple, and the memories you create reading together can last a lifetime.
Enroll Your Child Today!
Serving families throughout El Paso and Teller Counties in Colorado.
Already Enrolled?
Need to check your child’s enrollment status, update your mailing address, or see which books are coming next?
Visit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Parent Area to manage your child’s information.
Let’s keep the books coming!