Imagination Library
Imagine your child’s delight when they receive a special book, just for them, in the mail each month.
Why sign up?
Every month, a carefully selected new book will be mailed directly to your child. This is a FREE GIFT to your child through our partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Clermont County Ohio. There is no cost or obligation to your family.
Who is eligible?
Children under the age of 5 living in Clermont County
What do I need to do?
- Be a resident of Clermont County
- Enroll online
- Read with your child and have fun!
When will my child receive books?
Eight to 10 weeks after your registration form has been received, books will begin arriving at your home and will continue until your child turns 5 or you move out of the covered area.
Once you are enrolled, be sure to notify Clermont County Public Library at info@clermontlibrary.org any time your address changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a program that distributes free books to children from birth to age 5 in participating communities.
Who is eligible to enroll?
Children under the age of 5 who live in Clermont County are eligible.
How do I sign up my child?
Visit the Clermont County Public Library website and click on the Imagination Library icon, or use this link – https://clermontlibrary.org/imagination-library/. Simply click on the “Enroll Now!” button and fill out the form.
When will my child receive the first book?
Books will begin to arrive at your home 8 to 10 weeks after your child is registered. For example:
- If you register your child January 1, the registration will be finalized February 1.
- The first book will be sent March 1.
- The book will arrive in the U.S. mail 7-10 days later, or about March 10.
What are my responsibilities as a parent or guardian?
- Live in Clermont County.
- Register your child at: https://clermontlibrary.org/imagination-library/
- Read to your child.
What should I do if my address changed?
- If you have a change of address, you can update it on your profile using this link, https://imaginationlibrary.com/bos/. Use your email address to log in.
- You also can email Imaginationlibrary@uwgc.org and give your new address. If you still live in Clermont County, your address will be updated in the system and your child should receive a new book again in about 10 weeks.
- If you no longer live in Clermont County, we will attempt to transfer your registration to an affiliate serving your new community.
- Please don’t register your child twice. Duplicate registrations will be removed from the mailing list even if a child is registered using different addresses.
- Please don’t reregister you child with a new birthdate. Duplicate names will be removed from the mailing list.
What books are included in the program?
A list of books can be found here.
If I enroll my younger child, will they receive the same books that my older child did at the same age?
The Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Book Selection Committee rotates about 25 percent of titles for each age group every year. Families who enroll multiple children will receive some “repeat” books.
My child stopped receiving books. What happened?
If your child recently turned 5 years old, he or she graduated from the program. If your child has not turned 5, please email Imaginationlibrary@uwgc.org for more information.
I have twins. Will they each receive the same book every month?
Unfortunately, yes. Having a book of their very own, even a duplicate book in the case of twins, will help develop the love of reading.
Can I enroll if I don’t live in Clermont County?
You may be eligible in the area where you live. Visit the Dolly Partin’s Imagination Library website to check if the program is offered in your area.
Why don’t my kids receive their books on the same day?
Books for different age groups are mailed as they are delivered from the publisher, which varies from month to month. Please email Imaginationlibrary@uwgc.org if you have not received a book in 8 weeks.
Does my child need a library card to participate?
No, but the Clermont County Public Library offers cards to children age 3 and up. Just stop by your local branch to sign up for a card.
I owe library fines. Can we still sign up?
Absolutely. Just visit the Library’s website or use this link: https://clermontlibrary.org/imagination-library/.
Can books be sent to post office boxes?
Yes.
What if our family is homeless?
Your child is eligible as long as the family has an address where they can receive mail. The book will be addressed to your child.
I signed up, but my child did not receive a book.
Please email Imaginationlibrary@uwgc.org
Is there a program like this for older children?
Unfortunately, no, but the Clermont County Public Library welcomes children of all ages to get a library card and enjoy all the resources available.
How can this be free? Who sponsors Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Clermont County?
The United Way of Greater Cincinnati and the Clermont County Public Library administer the program. The Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library provides 50% of the funding with the rest supplied by generous donors. To help support the program financially, contact the Eastern Area United Way at (513) 536-3000. Your support is appreciated.
How can I support this program?
Why is it important?
Studies show children who grow up surrounded by books are more successful in school. The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics found that reading aloud to children at a young age has a positive impact on brain development. It’s the goal of the Clermont County Public Library, Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to give every child the advantage of having books and reading opportunities at home.
Who do I contact with questions regarding this program?
Email Imaginationlibrary@uwgc.org with any questions.