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How Imagination Library Works
The Imagination Library of Colorado (ILCO) works with the national Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, as well as local nonprofit organizations in each county across the state, to ensure all books remain at no cost to families.​ Since 1995, the national program has many roles: selecting books each year, monthly book production, and managing the shipment of each book.
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ILCO provides a strategic layer of support to our statewide program. As a 501(c)(3), ILCO is responsible for assisting affiliates throughout the state to foster growth and development for a sustainable Imagination Library. The key to our success is our Local Program Partners. These 50+ agencies are 501(c)(3) organizations who actively promote, fundraise, and manage the program on a day-to-day basis.
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Although books are free to families, they are not free to the community. Each book is $2.60. Each Local Program Partner pays 50% of each book each month in their assigned county or counties, totaling $1.30. The statewide team provides a 50% match, which ensures the program is at no cost to all Colorado families.​ By providing books at no cost to families, the Imagination Library increases childhood literacy rates, fosters a love of books, and promotes a culture of reading among families and communities of Colorado.
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How It Works For Parents
1. Enroll online or fill out a paper enrollment form or to register your child.
2. In 8-12 weeks, your child will receive "The Little Engine That Could" as their first book in the mail at no cost to you.
3. Each month, your child will receive a new book in the mail, compliments of your local county partners and at no cost to your family.
4. When your child turns five, they will receive their final book "Look out Kindergarten, Here I Come!" and become an Imagination Library graduate.