Thanks to this program started by the United Way Women’s Initiative and the Columbia Public Library, more Columbia preschoolers will have books in their homes at no cost to their families. Columbia babies who sign up will receive a free book in the mail every month until they turn 5. The first book is “The Little Engine That Could” (Dolly’s favorite) and the rest are tailored to the child’s reading level.
How do I sign up my baby?
Any baby born on or after April 1, 2008 with a Columbia address can sign up. New parents are offered an application and the first book in the hospital.* Application forms are available at the Columbia Public Library and from Parents As Teachers.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library began in Dolly’s home state of Tennessee, but has since spread to many counties and cities across the country. For more information about the local program, call the Columbia library Children’s Desk during open hours: (573) 817-7160.
* Thanks are due to the Friends of the Columbia Public Library for purchasing this first title given away by the hospitals. If you would like to contribute to the Imagination Library project, see the United Way’s site.
Report a problem
Did you not receive your book this month? Do you have questions about when you will begin receiving your books? Do you want to be sure that your child is registered? Please be sure to include your child’s name, birth date and address with your question. Contact us.
Picture Book Activities
Would you like to increase your child’s literacy and school readiness skills and have fun all at the same time? Make more of your picture books!