Free books for children each month

Sure, everyone knows Dolly Parton, the famous singer, songwriter, and actress. But do you know Dolly Parton, the philanthropist, who generously gives away much of her money to a wide variety of causes? Childhood literacy has been a passion of hers for a long time. What started as free books for children in Dolly’s hometown has become an international early literacy program called Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Children ages 0 up to age 5 can receive a free book every month regardless of financial status or other circumstances.

Did you know that Dolly’s books are available to children in the Grand Coulee Dam Area? The international program works through local nonprofit “affiliates,” so that parents or legal guardians can register their preschool children for a free book each month. Affiliates are organized by zip code. Children in Nespelem and Elmer City are served by the Okanogan County Child Development Association. Children in Coulee Dam and Grand Coulee are served by Chelan Douglas Child Services Association. The newest affiliate to our area is the Friends of the Grand Coulee Area Library who serve the children of Electric City.

Regardless of your town or affiliate, the easiest way to register your children for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is by going online at http://www.imaginationlibrarywashington.org. The website is a great resource for parents and includes a list of the books that will be sent to your children. The books come through the mail addressed to each child who is registered for the program. You can also scan the QR code that you will see on the posters and window clings that will soon be popping up throughout the area.

What could be better than a free book each month to read with your child? Not only does this build literacy skills, but so much more. Give your children a head start to a lifetime of learning as well as an opportunity to bond over a high quality book. Now that’s a great deal!