Inspire a Lifelong Love of Reading
One Book Can Change a Child’s Story
United Way of Snohomish County partners with the Imagination Library of Washington and The Dollywood Foundation to deliver free, age-appropriate books directly to young children throughout Snohomish County.
A single book can spark imagination. A home library can change educational outcomes. A community committed to literacy can change the future.
Together, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is more than a literacy program. It is an investment in school readiness, family engagement, and long-term community success.
Every month, children across Snohomish County open their mailbox to discover something powerful:
A new book.
For many families, these books help build the first home library their child has ever owned.
Local Children, Local Impacts
Since launching in 2023, United Way has:
- Delivered more than 375,000 books to local children
- Reached thousands of families across the county
- Helped more than 6,900 children prepare for kindergarten
- Established one of the largest Imagination Library programs in Washington
Public Funding Cut—Community Support is Essential
Each book represents a shared investment. The program costs approximately $2.60 per child each month—just $31 for an entire year of books.
Until recently, those costs were shared equally:
• 50% funded by United Way of Snohomish County
• 50% funded through the Imagination Library of Washington’s state-supported match
But Washington State has eliminated funding for that critical match and, now more than ever, United Way needs the support of donors, sponsors, and community partners to prevent enrollment restrictions and ensure books continue reaching local children every month.
Community support is essential to success!
Early Childhood Literacy Matters
Research | Studies | Surveys
The first few years of a child’s life are when the brain grows and develops the most, and a child’s experiences in these early years affect how their brain develops.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library combines:
- High-quality, age-appropriate books
- Direct monthly delivery to homes
- Parent and caregiver engagement
- Consistent early learning reinforcement
- Excitement and routine around reading
The result is a simple but powerful intervention that strengthens literacy, connection, and confidence before a child ever enters a classroom.
Sponsor a Child
$31
Provides one child with books for one year (12 books mailed directly to their home).
$156
Sponsors one child for the entire five-year program (60 books from birth until age five).
Every dollar invested directly supports early literacy and educational opportunity
More Ways to Give
Corporate Sponsorships
Demonstrate your commitment to children, families and community impact.
Foundation & Major Gifts
Support measurable early literacy outcomes across Snohomish County.
Workplace Giving
Empower employees to ignite children's love of reading.
