Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Missouri

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood, launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library statewide on November 8, 2023. Due to the 2027 Fiscal Year state budget reduction, beginning July 1, 2026, Dolly Parton Imagination Library will not have the funds to accept new applications to the program. DESE–OOC will continue providing books to families already enrolled, as funding allows.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by delivering high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to the homes of registered children under age 5, at no cost to the family.

The Missouri Imagination Library was made possible by legislation (Section 178.694 RSMo) that identifies school districts as the local partner for this initiative. Full funding was included in DESE’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget to establish and administer Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for all children in Missouri age 0-5.

There is no cost to schools for the books or the postage to deliver them.