IMPORTANT PROGRAM UPDATE: For the first time since launching our local Imagination Library, new enrollment is temporarily paused. However, the program remains active and children already enrolled are continuing to receive their free monthly books. Ongoing uncertainty surrounding Washington State funding for the 50% book-cost match has made this decision necessary to ensure the program can operate long-term at a financially sustainable level. While recent philanthropic investments have helped stabilize the statewide match, United Way must still raise the remaining funds locally. Support from Snohomish County donors, businesses, foundations, and community partners is essential to keeping books in children’s homes and reopening enrollment sustainably.
Every Child Deserves a Home Library
Free Books. Every Month. No Cost to Families.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Snohomish County helps children build a love of reading from the very beginning.
Through this free early literacy program, children from birth to age five receive a high-quality, age-appropriate book mailed directly to their home every month.
No fees. No income requirements. Just books, learning, and joyful moments shared together.
Why Early Literacy Matters
The first five years of life are critical to a child’s development. Reading together helps children:
- Build language and communication skills
- Strengthen school readiness
- Develop imagination and curiosity
- Create positive family routines
- Build confidence and emotional connection
Research consistently shows that children who are read to regularly enter kindergarten more prepared to learn and succeed.
Building a Stronger Future for Snohomish County Children
Since launching locally in 2023, United Way of Snohomish County has:
- Mailed more than 300,000 books to local children
- Served thousands of families across Snohomish County
- Helped more than 5,800 children graduate into kindergarten
- Built one of the largest Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library programs in Washington State
Every book mailed represents an opportunity for connection, learning, and growth.
A Community Working Together
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Snohomish County is made possible through community support, donor generosity, and local partnerships coordinated by United Way of Snohomish County. Together, we are helping children build strong foundations for lifelong learning.
United Way is one of four local Imagination Library partners serving Snohomish County. Other partners serve specific areas in Arlington, Lake Stevens, and Stanwood-Camano. For more information:
Arlington Education Foundation:
Community: Arlington and Darrington
Contact: A.J. Chippendale
Phone: 360-631-2484
Email: aj@arlingtonedfoundation.org
Lake Stevens Education Foundation:
Community: Lake Stevens School District
Contact: Leslie Elsemore
Phone: 4252384779
Email: elsemore.email@gmail.com
Stanwood-Camano Rotary:
Community: Stanwood-Camano
Contact: Greg Gilday
Phone: 360-629-2900
Email: gildayg@gmail.com
What Families Are Saying
“My daughter waits for her book every month and runs to the mailbox when it arrives.”
“Reading together has become part of our nightly routine.”
“These books helped us create learning moments at home before preschool even started.”
Eligibility Information
To participate in the Imagination Library of Snohomish County a child(ren) must:
- A valid mailing address in Snohomish County, WA
- Be between the ages of 0 (birth) and five-years-old
How to Enroll
Step 1: Enroll your child online.
Step 2: Your child receives one free book every month.
Step 3: Read, learn, and grow together.
Books continue until your child turns five years old.
