Dolly Imagination Library is a book gifting  program that Dolly Parton started in 1995.  The program is run by the Dollywood Foundation but it is locally funded.  It mails a free monthly book to children 0 to 5 years old.  The books are high quality and age appropriate books .  The books also have tips in the back page for parents to engage their children in conversations about the books.

 

The Rotary Club of Arlington has partnered with the Arlington Education Foundation to bring this literacy project to our community.  The program has a joint committee from the A.E.F. and Rotary, each with an initial investment of $2500.  

 

Buying books for kids has been popular with those who give grants. The program has received 2 $5000 grants one each from Tulalip and Stillaguamish Tribes as well as many other grants from various other organizations.  The fundraising efforts has gone so well that the program has been expanded from children who live in the Arlington School District to every child that has an Arlington or Darrington address. 

 

The cost is approximately $25 per child per year.  The Dolly Parton Foundation pays all the operating costs, so all money donated goes directly to buying and mailing books to children.

 

Held a kick-off event Eagle Creek elementary for people to sign up and experience the books that they would receive.  There were many community organizations that helped to support the kick-off event. To sign up people can go to the W.I.C. office (Women, Infants, and Children), The Arlington Library and Cascade Valley Hospital.  Also online at www.imaginationlibrary.com.  As of now there are 297 children registered, 17 children have graduated and 1,186 books have been mailed since April.

 

Plans for the future include promoting registration in day cares and preschools, as well as, promoting more in Darrington.