Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Join the Imagination Library
Lake County Public Library is pleased to bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to our school districts!
Children under age five in every LCPL school district are eligible to participate. (Not in our school district? Another organization may support your area! Check Imagination Library availability for any location here.)
Print your application, pick one up at any LCPL branch, or give us a call at (219) 769-3541 ext. 308. You can also apply online! Just enter your ZIP code and follow the instructions on your screen.
What is Imagination Library?
The Imagination Library provides one free book every month to children from birth to age four living in a supported school district. All parents have to do is apply and their eligible child will begin receiving a new book in the mail every month until they turn five.
There are no fees, the books are delivered directly to the child's home, and the child gets to keep them forever.
Why is this important?
Studies show that children who grow up surrounded by books do better in school. The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, for example, found that reading aloud to children at a young age has a positive impact on brain development.
The National Commission on Reading states that “The single most significant factor influencing a child's early educational success is an introduction to books and being read to at home prior to beginning school.”
It's the LCPL Foundation's goal to give every child possible the advantage of having books and reading opportunities at home. Parents can get an Imagination Library application at any LCPL location.
We made the paper! Read about the Imagination Library in the Chicago Tribune.
Frequently Asked Questions
Support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library for LCPL Kids
The Imagination Library is free to families because it is funded by the LCPL Foundation in partnership with the Imagination Library. The Imagination Library acquires the books at cost from Penguin Random House, and LCPL is only responsible for shipping fees.
The LCPL Foundation has provided the seed money and pledged annual support for as many children as their budget allows. But as the program grows we will need your help to bring books into every child's home.
You can donate by check at any LCPL location, or mail a check to 1919 W. 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410 Attn: Director's office. Please make checks out to LCPL Foundation. If you would like your donation to remain anonymous, just let us know!
$156 supports one child for the duration of the program. Every dollar helps - and yes, your donation is tax deductible!
Supported School Districts
LCPL school districts include
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Griffith
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Hanover
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Highland
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Hobart
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Lake Central
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Lake Ridge
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Lake Station
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Merrillville
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Munster
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River Forest
Not sure if you're eligible? Check your address here. Use the "Search by Address" tab and enter your home address to see which school district and library district you belong to.
You can learn more about what districts are and are not part of the Lake County Public Library district here. Still have questions about school districts? Call us at (219) 769-3541 ext. 374.