Mrs. Bee blogged about the Imagination Library a while back — in fact, I learned about this awesome program through Hellobee, and I’m so glad I did!
When I first heard about the Imagination Library, a program that delivers free, high-quality children’s books to preschool-aged children to promote early literacy and a love of reading, I was ecstatic. What an amazing program and mission! I wanted to shout about it from the rooftops and was ready to set up a night at school for parents who have younger children to register for the program. But sadly, I found out that they don’t have programs everywhere and didn’t have them in the town where my school is or in my own town (I’d love to set one up some day!).
Through more searching, I did discover that there is a program in the town where my parents live and signed Lil’ CB up for it. My parents don’t live too far from us, but we are there so often and Lil’ CB spends the night there at least once every other month, so I thought this would be the perfect way to build a little library at my parents’ house for Lil’ CB.
The first delivery after registration takes a bit, but it does come, and it comes faithfully every month thereafter. Every child’s first book is The Little Engine That Could — one that Dolly specifically chose to inspire young readers.
Lil’ CB still loves to read his very first Imagination Library book!
After that, the selections are a great mix of classic picks and newer titles. Often times, the books match that particular season or month, and sometimes they don’t, but they are always fantastic, age-appropriate selections.
Here are some of the books Lil’ CB has received over the last few months:
It’s been a little over a year since Lil’ CB has started receiving these books and we just adore every single book he has received. We are so grateful for this program and the absolute gift it gives its recipients. The best part is that included in each book are talking points for you and your child to further connect with the book. It is such a great tool for parents (or grandparents, in our case)! It makes my teacher heart SO happy and we will treasure these books for years to come.
Have you signed up for the Imagination Library?
GOLD / wonderful apricot / 22646 posts
I remember reading about this on HB too. It’s not available for us though
honeydew / 7091 posts
Oh man, it’s not available in my area or my parents’ area
Signed up to be notified though, because it sounds like an awesome program!
pear / 1881 posts
We were part of the program; however, the United Way discontinued it this month due to lack of funding! I was SO disappointed! We live in the county of another United Way, so I already put in an inquiry to see if we can get on their Imagination Library list. Good tip on signing up with the parents! I’ll have to check it out! So, the child doesn’t need to live there?
persimmon / 1230 posts
Looks like a great program! Sadly it’s not available in our area. I wonder where it is available?
ETA: Here’s the link to find out where it is available:
http://usa.imaginationlibrary.com/find_my_affiliate.php#.U-OqoYBdU7c
Looks like only rural counties in my state qualify.
blogger / pomegranate / 3491 posts
Not available by us either
but such a cool program!
pomegranate / 3503 posts
It’s not in my area either
apricot / 453 posts
We have it and LOVE it.
pomegranate / 3779 posts
I remember reading about this and looked to see if it was available in our area. Unfortunately it is not, nor in my parents.
squash / 13208 posts
Not in our area either =(
honeydew / 7968 posts
Not in our areas. We did do it at my parents house and they sent us books for like two months, but then suddenly they weren’t available anymore :(…. O well.
pear / 1812 posts
I’m shocked its not available in my area. I mean, I can see the Dallas skyline from my house! But, sadly, we have tried and can’t do it. It is so cool though!
blogger / pear / 1563 posts
We HAVE signed up! It’s so fun to get free books!
grape / 85 posts
I really wish this was available in my area!
Another subscription book option is the PJ Library, which sends (free! age-appropriate!) Jewish-culture and Judaism books. We are not Jewish but have Jewish friends and I figure it is good to expose children to many cultures.
nectarine / 2600 posts
Cool! Another reason to love the fabulous Dolly!
kiwi / 673 posts
@theRoo: we get monthly PJ library books and they are some of LO’s favorites! Such a wonderful program. Unfortunately were not in an area that uses the Imagination Library.
guest
Hi Everyone,
I love to see everyone so excited about the Imagination Library program! I see some of you don’t have the program in your area and that’s because we replicate the program by partnering with local organizations or businesses to cover the cost of the book and mailing. Dolly and the Dollywood Foundation cover all the other costs and logistics to get the books ordered and mailed out each month. If you don’t have the program in your area and know of an organization that would like to start one have them contact us at http://www.imaginationlibrary.com and click on “Start A Program.”
If you wantto see what books are part of the 2014 program you can download a PDF here: http://support.imaginationlibrary.com/customer/portal/articles/967312-2014-book-list-for-usa-uk#.U-TP0_ldV8E
Thanks again for your interest and remember were working hard everyday to bring this to children in more communities!
-Sam
blogger / nectarine / 2600 posts
Its not in my area either but I never thought to check to see if family or friends living elsewhere had it. Need to check now!
blogger / eggplant / 11551 posts
I remember looking this up, but we don’t have this program around here!!
GOLD / grapefruit / 4555 posts
We have this in our area and I was actually going to do a post on it since a lot of our favorite books are from DPIL. Since the cubs are so close in age, I actually have a lot of repeats. Some of them I keep in the car but I like the idea of distributing them to the grandparents!