How to Get FREE Books Mailed to Your Child Every Month with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
- Lindsay Harrah
- May 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 6
As parents, we all want to encourage a love of reading, but building a home library can become expensive.
Between picture books, bedtime stories, and educational books, the cost adds up quickly. The good news?
There is an amazing program that helps families receive FREE children's books delivered right to their mailbox every month—and it could be available in your community!
At Simply Living with Lindsay & Timmy, we're always searching for the best ways to help families save money while creating lasting memories. One of our favorite free programs is Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a literacy program that has inspired millions of children to discover the joy of reading.
What Is Dolly Parton's Imagination Library?
Founded in 1995 by country music legend Dolly Parton, the Imagination Library was created with one simple mission: to inspire a lifelong love of reading by giving young children free, high-quality books every month. The program was inspired by Dolly's father, who never learned to read, and today it serves children in communities across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland.
Children enrolled in participating communities receive one carefully selected, age-appropriate book every month from birth until their fifth birthday. The books arrive directly in your mailbox at no cost to your family, helping children build an incredible home library before they even start kindergarten.
Who Can Receive Free Books?
If your child is:
Birth through age 5
Lives in a participating community
Registered by a parent or guardian
they may qualify to receive free books mailed directly to your home every month. Availability depends on local program partners, so the first step is checking whether your zip code is covered. If the program is not yet available where you live, you can sign up to be notified if it becomes available in the future.
How to Check if Your Child Qualifies
Getting started only takes a few minutes!
Visit the official availability checker.
Enter your zip code.
If your area participates, complete the registration.
Watch your mailbox for your child's first free book.
You can check availability here:
Why We Love This Free Book Program
At Simply Living with Lindsay & Timmy, we're passionate about finding ways to make family life more affordable while encouraging learning and adventure.
Here are just a few reasons we recommend this amazing program:
It Helps Families Save Money
Children's books can easily cost $10–20 each. Over five years, families enrolled in the program can build a substantial library without purchasing every book themselves.
It Encourages Early Literacy
Reading together strengthens vocabulary, imagination, listening skills, and school readiness. Studies have also found that participation in the program, especially alongside preschool, is associated with stronger early reading outcomes.
Children Love Mail!
There is something magical about receiving a package addressed just to them. Every month becomes an exciting opportunity to open the mailbox and discover a brand-new story.
Every Book Is Age Appropriate
Books are selected by literacy experts and are designed to match your child's stage of development—from sturdy board books for babies to stories that prepare preschoolers for kindergarten.
Reading Together Creates Lasting Memories
Some of our favorite family moments happen during bedtime stories.
Reading together helps children:
Build confidence
Improve communication skills
Strengthen family bonds
Expand creativity
Develop a lifelong love of learning
Even reading just 15–20 minutes a day can make a huge difference in your child's development.
What If the Program Isn't Available Near Me?
Don't give up!
If your community isn't currently participating, the website allows you to request notification if the program expands to your area. Communities can also launch local programs with support from nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community partners.
More Ways to Build Your Child's Library for Free
While you're signing up for the Imagination Library, don't forget these additional ways to get books without spending a fortune:
Visit your local public library every week.
Attend library story times.
Join summer reading programs.
Check neighborhood Little Free Libraries.
Watch for publisher giveaways.
Follow Simply Living with Lindsay & Timmy for more free book offers, educational resources, and family-friendly freebies.
Final Thoughts
Programs like Dolly Parton's Imagination Library remind us that some of the greatest gifts in life really are free. A simple book can inspire imagination, encourage curiosity, strengthen family connections, and help children succeed in school and beyond.
If you have a child under five years old, take just a few minutes today to see if your family qualifies. You could soon be opening your mailbox to find a wonderful new story waiting for your little one each month.
At Simply Living with Lindsay & Timmy, we're committed to helping families discover free resources, save money, and make everyday life a little more joyful. Be sure to bookmark our website and check back often for more freebies, family adventures, coupons, giveaways, and money-saving tips!
Have you signed your child up for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library? We'd love to hear about your favorite book your family has received! Share your experience in the comments below!
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