Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

At Neighbourgood, we love shining a light on organisations and individuals that bring real, meaningful change to communities. One initiative that has captured our hearts is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – a global book-gifting programme that has provided over 200 million free books to children since its launch in 1995. Inspired by her father's inability to read and write Dolly started her Imagination Library in 1995 for the children within her home county. Today, her program spans five countries and gifts millions of free books each month to children around the world.

A Simple Idea, A Huge Impact

The concept is beautifully simple: each month, registered children from birth to age five receive a free book, personally addressed to them, straight to their home. The goal? To foster a love of reading from an early age, bridge literacy gaps, and give every child – regardless of their background – the same opportunity to dream, learn, and grow.

What started as a local initiative in Dolly’s home state of Tennessee has now expanded worldwide, reaching children across the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, and Australia. By partnering with local organisations, charities, and governments, the programme ensures that books get into the hands of those who need them most.

Why This Matters

Early childhood literacy is one of the most powerful tools for social mobility. Studies show that children who develop strong reading skills early are more likely to succeed in school and beyond. Yet, access to books isn’t always a given – particularly in low-income communities. The Imagination Library helps close that gap by delivering high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to families, removing financial and accessibility barriers.

CSR Done Right

For businesses looking to make an impact, the Imagination Library is a perfect example of how corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be both simple and transformative. By investing in literacy, we can help shape brighter futures, strengthen communities, and create lasting change.

At Neighbourgood, we admire programmes like this that create real social impact. Whether through partnerships, funding, or advocacy, there are so many ways for businesses to get involved in initiatives like the Imagination Library – and we’re here to help make those connections happen.

Join the Movement

Want to support the Imagination Library? You can donate, become a local programme partner, or simply spread the word about this life-changing initiative. Visit imaginationlibrary.com to learn more.

Because when you give a child a book, you give them the world. 💛