In 1995, Dolly Parton started Imagination Library in her home county in Tennessee to inspire a love of books and reading for all preschool children in the county.

Since the beginning, children from birth to age five receive a free age-appropriate book in the mail every month.

As of June 2021, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (DPIL) has mailed more than 161 million books!

The first five years of life are critical for brain development and language skills.

A child’s access to books—starting at birth—can be one of the strongest predictors of school success.

Through this program:

• Children build their own home library of 60 books before kindergarten

• Families share meaningful moments around reading

• Our community grows stronger through early learning

United is the way we help every child start school ready to succeed.

Each month a new, carefully selected book will be mailed in your child’s name directly to your home.

The first book is always the children’s classic The Little Engine That Could™.

Best of all it is a FREE GIFT to your child through our partnership with local organizations!

There is no cost or obligation to you or your family.

ALL children under the age of five in Wapello County.

• Live in Wapello County.

• Submit an official registration form by an authorized adult.

• Notify the Ottumwa Public Library any time your address changes. Books are mailed to the address listed on the account.

  • Note: If the child's address changes, you must contact the Ottumwa Public Library in order to continue receiving books.

Click here to sign up to get a FREE book every month from birth to age 5!

Reading begins at birth. The Imagination Library fosters early literacy and a lifelong love of books.

If your child lives in Wapello County, they may be eligible to receive free books through this beloved early childhood literacy program.

👉 Click here to enroll your child
All it takes is a few minutes to sign up. Then, watch the magic of storytime begin!

You can help put books into the hands—and hearts—of Wapello County children.

Sponsor a Local Child:

• 📚 $2.50 = 1 Book

• 📬 $10 = 4 Books for 4 Children

• 📘 $30 = 1 Child for 1 Year (12 books!)

• 🎁 $125 = 1 Child for 5 Full Years (60 books!)

• 📖 $300 = 10 Children for 1 Year (120 books!)

• 📦 $600 = 20 Children for 1 Year (240 books!)

• 🚌 $2,400 = A Busload! 80 Kids for 1 Year (960 books!)

Every dollar you give stays local and directly supports book delivery for children enrolled in Wapello County’s Imagination Library.

Whether you're giving as an individual, a family, a business, or in honor of someone special—your donation builds brighter futures, one book at a time.

🧡 Donate now and help us nurture a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.

Contact us at uwwc@wapellocouw.orgor call 641-682-1264 to:

• Enroll a child

• Ask about business or civic sponsorships

• Learn more about the impact of your donation