About - Imagination Library

United Way Australia and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library partnering together

In 2014, a joint effort between Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and United Way Australia began – bringing the program to Australia.

Children receive up to 60 carefully staged books that are hand-picked by a committee of academics, authors, Indigenous advisors, teachers and librarians ensuring they reflect the diversity of the wider community and include themes and concepts that support developing minds to grow.

United Way Australia also provides reading tips, alongside digital resources to enable the greatest impact.

Countless parents have shared how excited their child is when their new book arrives each month. Many groups and individuals work hard behind the scenes to make that special moment possible for each child. Program coverage extends to communities across Australia.

How the Imagination Library Works

Each month, a high-quality, age-appropriate book is mailed to all registered children, addressed to them, and at no cost to the child’s family.

United Way Australia provides the infrastructure to support the delivery of the core program in Australia including coordinating book selections, wholesale book purchasing, the program’s administrative activities and the monthly book mail-out.

At United Way Australia, we believe the Imagination Library is more than a book in the mail. We believe freely sharing resources to help understand and support children’s early development is an important factor in building language and early literacy skills and to deepen the impact of the program.

‘I feel so privileged to be a part of the program and know that my child’s development is supported and will improve dramatically with daily reading. Each time a book arrives I’m reminded that my community cares about my child, and that the investment of reading daily will result in higher changes of success in his future. It’s a win/win. Books can be so much fun, it supports me in engaging with my baby and gives me the tools to ensure his language, learning and literacy continue to improve.’

Parent quote.

Is there an Imagination Library Program in my area?

Program coverage extends to communities across Australia. Click below to find out if the Imagination Library is in your area.

Check if there is an Imagination Library in your community