Dolly Parton's Imagination Library offers free books for 0-5

The North Lake County Public Library – temporarily housed at the First United Methodist Church on 16th Ave. E. in Polson – is hosting a launch party for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 21. The program is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age 5.

Many organizations from across Lake County will be on hand for giveaways, activities and snacks.

The project was initiated in Montana by First Lady Susan Gianforte, and is sponsored by the Treasure State Foundation in partnership with The Dollywood Foundation. The North Lake County Public Library District is the affiliate for most children in Lake County, although Arlee has its own program.

Children can be registered anytime online at www.imaginationlibrary.com or parents can sign them up at the library; either way, they’ll receive a new book each month, delivered to their home.

“Literacy is critical for our kids and their development. When parents read to their kids or when a child reads, it engages them, it fires their imagination, and sparks their curiosity,” said the First Lady in a recent press release. “I’m proud of the partnership we’ve developed with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and local organizations throughout Montana. Working together, we’ll make sure all our youngest kids have access to reading resources so they can dream, grow, and reach their full potential.”

Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world, mailing more than 2 million high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to enrolled children from 0-5.

Boosting literacy and promoting and expanding access to STEM education, particularly for girls and students in rural communities, are the Gianforte’s chief initiatives.

For more information, or to register a child, head to imaginationlibrary.com.