Tennessee Kids Get Free Books Each Month From Birth To Age 5!
Attention all parents in Tennessee:
Did you know that your children can receive FREE books every month?
Yep... all Tennessee kids from birth to age 5?!
Dolly Parton Started Something Good
I first heard about this program when I saw Dolly Parton being interviewed about her "Imagination Library" -- a book distribution program she started in 1996.
Initially, Dolly Parton distributed free books to children (birth through age 5) who lived in her county -- Sevier County, Tennessee. But in 1999, she extended the opportunity NATIONALLY to other communities willing to replicate the "Imagination Library" program in their own area.
In 2002, Governor Bredesen pledged to partner with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Foundation to help make her effective pre-K literacy program available to all Tennessee children regardless of family income.
Today, most Tennessee counties are included in the program coordinated by the Books From Birth Foundation.
What Books Do Children Receive?
If you are the parent of a child under 5, and you sign up, then each month a new, carefully selected age-appropriate book will be mailed in your child's name directly to your home.
A child can enter the program at any time and begin receiving a book every month until their 5th birthday.
How To Get FREE Books For Your Child
To register your child in the Books From Birth Foundation program in Tennessee, first check to see if your county is listed as having an active program.
Then, sign up here to enroll your child in the program. (This is also the place to request that a program be started in your county, if one is not currently available.)
For more information, contact the Imagination Library directly at 1-877-99Books.
This is an amazing opportunity for Tennessee kids. Plus, what a great "welcome" gift for new families who move to Tennessee!
The Program's Success
- Today, there are 534 communities in 41 states participating in this program.
- Last month (October, 2005) a total of 188,102 books were mailed to children registered for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
- Since the inception of the program 3,524,720 books have been mailed to children's homes.
May an adult cousin enroll her new baby cousin?
i was trying to get word to miss parton that the little angel she met and made her wish come true(9-14-07.passed away 10-18-07 this is nana and i just wanted to say god bless her for letting her wish come true.she was the pretty little Belle,5yrs odl god bless u all
Deborah -
According to the FAQ on the Governor's Foundation website:
Parents or guardians, you may register your child using the official Imagination Library brochures, which are customized according to county and available at your local public library. The brochures are easily identified, with a colorful graphic of Governor Bredesen and Dolly Parton on the front cover.
You may also register a child online by visiting www.ImaginationLibrary.com, click on "United States," and then "First-Time Visitors."
I am in the process of adopting a 2 year old who I am sure has not been in this program. What would I need to do to get him signed up for these books?
Dolly, I realize you do give A LOT to children whom don't receive ANY books at all. You've given so much. You are a saint! Hey, that should be your nickname- Saint Dolly (Parton)
I would like to see to it that my new grandson benefit from Dolly's free books program. We live in Sumner County. Are we eligible, and how do I sign up?
TRYING TO FINDOUT WHERE I SIGN MY CHILD UP TO GET THE BOOK EVERY BIRTHDAY