Imagination Library of Cecil County

The Imagination Library was founded by Dolly Parton in 1995 as a tribute to her father. Dolly began the Imagination Library to inspire the children in her county to be readers, however the program became so popular it has spread to all 50 states in the U.S, as well as programs available in 5 countries.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Cecil County in northeastern Maryland is a six-year-old nonprofit organization that monthly mails free age-appropriate books to children from birth to 5 years. The mission supported by data is successful in making participants ready for kindergarten.

Our all-volunteer local group must raise funds each year to purchase books and postage. Currently, the cost is $31 per child for 12 books a year for over 2000 Cecil County children. We strive to increase the number of registered recipients each year.

We raise money through private donations, fund-raising events, raffles, auctions and informational talks to local groups. With each additional child registered we must raise more funds.  The entirety of the funds are used for the purchase of books and postage to send them directly to the children’s homes. We meet monthly to discuss what each member has accomplished and discuss new ideas and initiatives. We are passionate about our mission and would like to attract volunteers who are both passionate and energetic.