What is the Imagination Library?

The Imagination Library was created by Dolly Parton in 1996, and provides a new, age-appropriate, hardcover book each month to children from birth to age five at no cost to the family.

Currently, more than 80% of Tennessee’s 375,000 children under age five have access to the program. The total cost of the program is only $27 per child, per year, which includes 12 hardcover books, postage, shipping and handling, and reflects absolutely no administrative overhead costs. This cost is split equally between each county program and the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation.

The Madison County Imagination Library is brought to you through the sponsorship of the Jackson Rotary Clubs, Library Foundation, Mid-town Jackson Optimist Club, United Way of West Tennessee and West Tennessee Association for Childhood Education International. Generous contributions from the Old Hickory Rotary Club, Pringles, Modern Woodman and West Tennessee Healthcare, along with many other community members and businesses are to thank for their help in bringing the Imagination Library to Madison County.

Currently (as of 3/18/08), there are 2,677 children enrolled in the Imagination Library through Madison County, Tennessee.