About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) is a book-gifting program that mails high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five — at no cost to the family. No catch. No income requirements. Just free books, every month, delivered straight to a child’s home.
In partnership with United Way of Spokane County, DPIL is helping young children across Spokane County build their very own home libraries — one book at a time. These stories spark imagination, strengthen literacy skills, and set a strong foundation for kindergarten and lifelong learning.
Help Us Keep the Books Coming: The Future of DPIL in Spokane County Depends on You
For years, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) has been a lifeline for thousands of Spokane County children, delivering a free, high-quality book every month to kids under five. This isn’t just about books—it’s about building strong families, early literacy skills, and brighter futures.
But we’ve hit a critical crossroads.
Washington State has decided to cut its 50% match for DPIL, doubling the monthly cost to keep the program running. What once cost United Way of Spokane County $13,000 a month has now surged to $26,000 a month. That’s an additional $156,000 a year—a gap we simply cannot cover without help from our community.
We are calling on:
- Corporate leaders
- Private foundations
- Local businesses
…to rally together and invest in a solution that works.
This is more than just a book program.
DPIL lays the foundation for:
- School readiness
- Language development
- Family connection
- Long-term resilience
We know early literacy is one of the most effective strategies to break the cycle of poverty and reduce future homelessness. When kids are equipped with the tools to thrive—socially, emotionally, and academically—they’re better prepared to navigate life’s setbacks and build a stronger future.
$156,000 sounds like a lot—until we divide it up.
If 15 businesses stepped up with $10,000, we’d be fully funded.
If 30 gave $5,000—same result.
Together, we can do this.
But we need you to act now to protect access for the nearly 10,000 children currently enrolled.
👉 Become a DPIL sponsor today.
Your support doesn’t just buy books—it builds futures.
Become a Sponsor
Contact Us to Learn More at lizb@unitedwayspokane.org
Inspire a love of learning through support of the Imagination Library
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Together, We Can Keep the Pages Turning
Right now, over 10,000 children in Spokane County are enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library — receiving a new, age-appropriate book every month, right to their doorstep.
This life-changing program is completely free to families, but it isn’t free to sustain.
The Cost to Keep It Going
It costs United Way of Spokane County $30 per child, per year to provide these books.
That means:
$30 = 1 child for 12 months
$150 = 5 children get a year of reading
$300 = Supports 10 children for a year
With over 10,000 children enrolled, our annual cost is more than $260,000 — and that number grows as more families learn about the program and sign up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) is a book-gifting program that mails high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five — at no cost to the family. No catch. No income requirements. Just free books, every month, delivered straight to a child’s home.
Yes, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (DPIL) offers books in multiple languages, primarily focusing on bilingual English/Spanish titles. In the United States, the program includes several bilingual English/Spanish books in its regular collection. Additionally, families in certain areas have the option to receive an exclusively bilingual English/Spanish book collection.
This initiative aims to support early literacy and language development for children in bilingual households.
Thanks to United Way of Spokane County and our supporters there is NO COST to families receiving books through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. (UWSC cost $2.60 per book)
Studies show that access to books in early childhood is one of the most powerful tools to support school readiness and academic success. When a child grows up surrounded by books, they’re more likely to:
- Enter school ready to learn
- Develop strong language and literacy skills
- Stay on track academically
- Build confidence and curiosity
This isn’t just about reading — it’s about opportunity, equity, and long-term success.
It costs just $30 to sponsor one child for an entire year — that’s 12 books, one each month, helping a child grow, learn, and thrive.
- With your support, we can:
- Reach more families in Spokane County
- Eliminate barriers to early learning
- Create brighter futures for thousands of local children
- Sponsor a child (or several!) with a one-time or recurring donation
- Become a corporate partner and make a lasting impact in your community
- Fundraise with your team, school, or organization to help grow the program
Let’s put more books into more homes — and more hope into more hearts.
Together, we can turn the page toward a stronger Spokane County.
Placing books in the homes and hands of young children is a proven strategy that helps promote early literacy and early numeracy, key skills essential for kindergarten readiness. Studies show that children who start school with these skills are better able to meet third-grade reading benchmarks, maintain grade-level learning and remain in school. Access to early learning is critical to increasing high school graduation rates, especially for children in low-income and marginalized communities.
Now Is the Time to Rise Together
We believe Spokane is a community that shows up for its kids. If we each do a little, we can do something incredible.
Will you help us keep the stories coming
Sponsor a child. Make a monthly gift. Share the program with your friends.
Let’s make sure every child in Spokane County starts kindergarten with a bookshelf full of stories — and a future full of promise.
