At the end of April, the Imagination Library of Snohomish County gifted its 214,876th book to a local child. A milestone reached less than two years after the program was launched by UWSC in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in June 2023.
A few days prior, UWSC and 45 other local program partners learned that funding to expand the statewide Imagination Library program was not included in Washington’s 2025–27 operating budget. This critical public-private collaboration relies on a 50/50 funding match: 50% from the state and 50% from local Imagination Library partners – like UWSC, Lake Stevens Education Foundation, Stanwood-Camano Rotary Foundation, and Arlington Education Foundation.
“Our legislatures are facing difficult decisions at this time, and I have great respect for the work they do on behalf of our communities,” said Executive Director Brittany Williams. “That said, the Imagination Library is a critical program that benefits marginalized communities and promotes and provides access to early literacy to families who may otherwise struggle to afford something as simple, and as powerful, as a book.”
Founded by Dolly Parton in 1995 in honor of her father — who could not read or write — the Imagination Library is the flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation. The program provides children from birth to age five with a high-quality, age-appropriate book every month, at no cost to families, inspiring a love of reading and strengthening early literacy.
To date, the Imagination Library of Snohomish County has served more than 15,500 children locally – with over 12,000 currently enrolled and 3,460 graduates – making UWSC’s program the second largest in Washington.
“Every book represents a step toward greater equity in early education, and 214,876 books means 214,876 opportunities to spark imagination, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading,” said Williams.
UWSC also collects and distributes used books through local drives to ensure that children who are eligible but may not be able to enroll – including those experiencing housing insecurity – can also enjoy the benefits of early literacy. Beneficiaries include the Providence Children’s Center and Snohomish County Court Appointed Special Advocates’ (CASA) Wonder Room in Everett.
Participation in the Imagination Library of Snohomish County program is free to all families, regardless of income, thanks to generous donations from the Norman Archibald Charitable Foundation and the Nora Roberts Foundation. Matching funds have been provided by The Imagination Library of Washington through June of 2025.
Recent budget decisions by the State of Washington have removed continued funding, but UWSC is committed to finding new ways to ensure these books continue to be delivered to all enrollees!
For $31 per year, donors can send one book each month to one child. For $156, you can ensure that the child receives books every month from birth until their 5th birthday!