Questions & Answers
What is Imagination Library?
Imagination Library is a program developed and managed by the Dollywood Foundation that provides a book each month for enrolled children ages 0-5 at a cost of $27 per year per child. This cost is split equally between the sponsoring organization for the county and the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation. Launched in 1996 for preschool-age children in Dolly Parton's native Sevier County, Imagination Library encourages parent-child involvement, increases literacy (for both children and parents) and assists in building an educational foundation that contributes to school readiness.
How much does it cost?
For children participation in Imagination Library there is no cost. The organization or community that managed the program is responsible for paying all costs. In Shelby County, the funds for Imagination Library will come from private fundraising efforts and will be matched 1:1 with state dollars through the Governor's Books From Birth Foundation (www.governorsfoundation.org)
How do I enroll?
Shelby County Imagination Library enrollment is available online, at www.booksfrombirth.org and at various locations around Memphis and Shelby County.
What if we don't live in Shelby County?
Imagination Library programs that are established through the Governor's Foundation are for the residents of each participating county only. That means only Shelby County residents may participate in the Shelby County program.
A frequently updated list of contact information for the more than 50 Tennessee counties with operating Imagination Libraries can be found at www.governorsfoundation.org.
What happens when families move?
If you are moving within Shelby County, you may simply send in a change of address to the local Imagination Library program, so the books will follow you when you move. For any book that cannot be delivered as addressed, we will try to obtain forwarding address information.
What happens to books that can't be delivered?
Books that cannot be delivered as addressed will be donated to other reading and literacy programs.
If Shelby County is having financial trouble, how can it afford Imagination Library?
The County's half of the costs for Shelby County's Imagination Library program, like most of the others in Tennessee, will be funded through private donations, not with County tax dollars. The other half is paid by the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation. We will enroll as many children in the program as we can, depending upon the amount of contributions we receive from organizations and individuals in the community.
Who runs the Imagination Library?
Imagination Library is headquartered in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and is part of the Dollywood Foundation. They handle purchasing, warehousing and mailing all the books.
What books are included?
Children receive The Little Engine That Could as their first book, and Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! completes the set. A committee comprised of individuals from education, child development, academia and early childhood literacy selects the 60-volume collection.
Does my child have to live in this county?
Tennessee Imagination Library programs are organized by county, so a child must register in the county where he lives.
Can the books come to me instead of my grandchildren?
No. Books are addressed to the child and mailed directly to his home each month.
What if my child is not a newborn?
A child can register for the Imagination Library at any point up to his fifth birthday.
How do I donate money to the IL?
To make donations to your county's program, call the Shelby County Books from Birth Program at 901-545-2323.
Where is the Imagination Library located?
The Imagination Library is a program rather than an actual building. Registration forms can be found at most public libraries, local YMCA's, Davis-Kidd Booksellers, by calling 901-545-2323 or on our Shelby County Books from Birth web site at www.booksfrombirth.org.
Can I register my whole Head Start/daycare/pre-k class?
Registration is best done by a parent or legal guardian to ensure that one child is not unintentionally registered by multiple adults, increasing the costs of the program for the county sponsor, and adding confusion to the list of registered children.
Who chooses the books?
The Dollywood Foundation has a team of early childhood development specialists that selects the books in the Imagination Library to fit the needs of children at each age from birth to their fifth birthday. (See the list of books from January - August 2006 below.)
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