Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Expands to Butte County

Children in Butte County, California, can now access free books delivered to their homes each month through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This initiative, made possible by a partnership with the Butte County Office of Education (BCOE), aims to foster early literacy and support childhood development.

Michelle Lucero, Senior Director of BCOE Early Education Programs and Services, emphasized the importance of early reading. “When children read early and often, they build the language, confidence, and imagination to thrive,” she stated. With this program, families with young children in the community can receive these educational resources at no cost.

Since its inception in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has provided over 300 million books to children in the United States and beyond. Research has shown that the program significantly impacts early childhood literacy skills, according to Lucero.

Parents, grandparents, and legal guardians can register children from birth to five years old in the program. Each child is eligible to receive books monthly, starting with the classic children’s story, “The Little Engine That Could,” followed by age-appropriate selections. After registration, families can expect to receive their first book within eight to ten weeks.

The launch has generated significant interest, with 800 children registered shortly after the program began. Lucero expressed excitement, noting, “This is super exciting for us and for the kids.”

To establish the Imagination Library in Butte County, a local nonprofit had to serve as the fiscal conduit. This arrangement allows the program to benefit from bulk mail rates for book distributions. The Butte County Office of Education Charitable Trust took on this role, raising funds through community support. Contributions came from organizations such as Oroville Friends of the Library, Chico Sunrise Rotary, and the Chico Noon Exchange Club.

The Imagination Library estimates that approximately 11,000 children in Butte County could benefit from the program. The annual cost for each child is $31. However, legislation passed in 2023 allows local communities to receive a 50% match from the state library system, effectively reducing the cost to $15.50 per child annually. This state investment reflects a commitment to enhancing literacy in local communities.

To celebrate the launch, BCOE is hosting a free event titled “Lil’ Readers Rodeo: Ride into Reading with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library” on November 20, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the BCOE Center for Learning and Resilience in Chico. The event will feature light refreshments, reading activities for children, and a chance to take photos with a life-size cutout of Dolly Parton.

For more information on registering for the Imagination Library in Butte County or to make donations to support the program, interested individuals can contact Lucero at 530-532-5763 or via email at [email protected].

This initiative represents a significant step toward promoting literacy and ensuring that children in Butte County have access to the resources they need to succeed.