What is Imagination Library?
Program Information
Educators have emphasized the fact that reading with preschool children is the single most important activity to help prepare them for school. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library book program was created to guarantee access to books and to inspire parents to read to their children as much as possible.
The United Way of the Brown County Area is committed to building literacy skills and school readiness in young children. We want to ensure children have positive developmental opportunities so that they can start school ready to succeed. We want to grow success in learning and in life.
Studies show that when kids are given regular 'lap-time' not 'laptop' time, but time spent reading books before kindergarten, their vocabulary can reach 10,000 words before age 5. For a child who hasn't had this experience, their vocabulary is about 3,000 words.
The United Way of the Brown County Area, in partnership with The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, provides one book each month to children, from birth to age 5, whose school district is located in Brown County and are registered by their parent or guardian. The sturdy, colorful, age appropriate books are delivered directly to the child. Each book is selected for the developmental benefits it brings - and for the fun. There is no cost to registered families. *To participate in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in this area of southern Minnesota, families must live in one of the following school districts: New Ulm, Springfield, or Sleepy Eye.
The cost for this program is covered by donations made to United Way of the Brown County Area by: individual, employee and business donors; local service organizations; and grant funding.
Program sponsorship costs United Way of the Brown County Area approximately $30 per child, per year. If you would like to donate towards this program, please send a donation to us at: United Way of the Brown County Area, PO Box 476, New Ulm, MN 56073; Click the donate tab on our home page; or call us at 507-354-6512.
Who is Eligible?
- Preschool children (birth until their fifth birthday) who reside in Brown County or who will be attending a school in Brown County
- Submit an OFFICAL REGISTRATION FORM, completely filled out by parent or guardian (form must be approved and on file with United Way of the Brown County Area).
- Notify United Way of the Brown County Area any time your address changes. Books are mailed to the address listed on the official registration form. If the child's address changes, you must contact your friends at the United Way of the Brown County Area at: 108 North Minnesota St., PO Box 476, New Ulm, MN 56073 (507)354-6512.
When Will I Receive Books?
Eight to ten weeks after your registration form has been received, books will begin arriving at your home and will continue until your child turns five or you move out of Brown County.
Can I Donate to the Imagination Library Program?
Yes of course! The cost of sponsoring a child, that's 12 delivered books a year, is only $30 per year.
Donations can be mailed to:
United Way of the Brown County Area
PO Box 476
New Ulm, MN 56073
We are actively seeking sponsors for this vital program! There are multiple levels of giving available, If you are interested in sponsoring one month of the Imagination Library, please reach out to us at 507-354-6512.
What parents are saying about the Imagination Library:
"My children get so excited when their books arrive in the mail! They always look forward to receiving a new book from "Auntie Dolly"!
"Our children received books from the Imagination Library right up to their fifth birthday. Now our grandchildren participate in the program. The United Way provides an opportunity for all children to get a start on literacy and reading readiness"
"My child is now ten years old, and the books that we received from the Imagination Library are still some of our favorite books!"