Two children reading a picture book. Text overlay: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Update: The Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program grant application will be released soon. In order to apply, applicants will need to have a Memorandum of Agreement with the Dollywood Foundation for participation as a Local Program Partner in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library by the application deadline.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a community-based program mailing free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to registered children from birth until their 5th birthday, no matter their income. Local Program Partners enroll children within their selected community and pay, on average, $2.20 per child/per month towards wholesale book and mailing costs.

To encourage participation in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, The New York State Legislature has appropriated $500,000 to be awarded through a competitive grant program.

Funds will be available to libraries, library systems, non-profits, school districts, and BOCES in New York State. Individual grants will be limited to a maximum of $49,000 to pay up to 50% of a Local Program Partner’s costs from the Imagination Library.  

Please visit the Imagination Library website for more information on the book gifting program and the process to become a Local Program Partner. We encourage any organization interested in becoming a Partner to begin the process prior to the grant application announcement.  

The grant application announcement and guidelines will be posted to the Division of Library Development website once released. You may also sign up for the NYLINE list, where the announcement will be shared by email.

Questions may be sent to NYSLImaginationLibrary@nysed.gov.