For a young child, receiving a book in the mail with their name on it is a small moment that can become a meaningful family ritual. It is an invitation to curl up with a parent, caregiver, or sibling, turn the pages together, and build a love of reading one story at a time. That is the heart of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Last fiscal year, Greater Gallatin United Way helped deliver 40,177 free books to children and families across Gallatin and Park counties. Behind that number are thousands of shared bedtime stories, growing home libraries, and children discovering that books can belong to them.
That momentum is continuing. In the past few months, Imagination Library distributed 10,726 books locally, including 9,546 books in Gallatin County and 1,180 books in Park County. Perhaps most encouraging is the growth among the program’s youngest readers. In just three months, the number of enrolled infants grew from 126 to 222 across the two counties, a 76% increase. Gallatin County grew from 112 infants receiving books in July to 200 in September, while Park County increased from 14 to 22.
Enrolling a child early helps make reading part of family life from the beginning. A child enrolled at birth can receive up to 60 free, age-appropriate books before kindergarten, creating more opportunities for connection, conversation, and early learning along the way.
This work is made stronger through partnerships with families, health providers, home-visiting programs, and community organizations that help connect parents with Imagination Library. Books arrive directly at home, at no cost to families, for children from birth through age five. September also marked an exciting statewide milestone, as Montana’s one-millionth Imagination Library book was delivered to a child in Butte.
Following Dolly Parton’s passing in August, our community saw a meaningful increase in interest and support for the program. Enrollment and donations grew through efforts such as Give Like Dolly and 9 to 5 Day, reflecting the deep connection so many families feel to Dolly’s vision of putting books into the hands of children.
Today, 3,191 children in Gallatin County and 402 children in Park County are enrolled in Imagination Library. We are proud of that progress, and we know there are still more families to reach. Every monthly book is more than a story. It is a tool for early literacy, a reason to spend time together, and a reminder to a child that their community is investing in their future.
Enroll a Child in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library →
Help Put More Books in Local Children’s Hands →
