Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Nevada County

To enroll a child, you will be transferred to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. The first step is to confirm that the child lives in a covered area, such as Nevada County.  Once residence is confirmed, follow the steps to enroll the child.

As the years continue to roll by, many of us think back to the moments which shaped our lives, including the joy of being read to as children. Those early stories sparked our imaginations, expanded our understanding of the world, and created cherished memories with the adults who read to us. 
 
However, for many children, access to reading materials can be a challenge. Whatever the reason, access to books is a key component in developing early literacy skills.
 
This past August, Nevada City Rotary proudly launched Dolly Pardon's Imagination Library in partnership with the Nevada City Rotary Club Foundation and First 5 Nevada County.  Already more than 1,000 children are enrolled and are receiving free, high-quality books each month, delivered directly to their homes, personalized with their name.  For many families these books are the first to fill their home libraries, supporting brain development, early literacy skills, and bonding moments that will last a lifetime. 
 
Today, thanks to your support and the commitment of our community, we are helping make those same moments possible for all children aged 0-5 across Nevada County. While launching the program was an extraordinary milestone, sustaining it will require continued community support. The Imagination Library provides books at a cost of just $15.50 per child per year, thanks to the State of California's 50% match. Still, as demand grows, we remain committed to ensuring the program remains available to every eligible child in Nevada County.

Program Highlights

•      One book, per month, per child ages 0-5, completely free to families.

•      BiLingual books available for Spanish-speaking households.

•      The State of California provides a 50% match, so the cost per child is only $15.50 per year.

•      Serves all children, families and communities equally regardless of their background

•      Books are mailed monthly directly to the child's home, personalized with their name!

Listen to the Imagination Library Nevada County launch announcement by Andrea and Melody Easton, First 5 Nevada County:
 

How can you help?

We invite you to support the ongoing success of the Imagination Library. As Dolly Parton says, “You can never get enough books into the hands of enough children.” 

  • Become a recurring annual sponsor at any level to support program growth and maintenance.
  • Encourage other community Leaders to communicate the value of DPIL for children and families.
  • Help connect us with other potential community partners about financially supporting this program.
  • Donations may be tax deductible!
  • Special Offer for businesses and organizations,
                                                               Become a Book Label Sponsor

Donate Now to bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to Nevada County.

 

Scan or click the QR code to give online. —>

 

Or mail a check to: Rotary Club of Nevada City Foundation
Attn: Imagination Library
P.O. Box 74
Nevada City, CA 95959

 

2026 DPIL Blue Ribbon Book Selection

 
Check out 2026 Dolly Pardon Imagination Library Blue Ribbon Book Selection. 
 
The first book a child receives is “The Little Engine That Could™” (customized version). The month a child turns five years old, they will receive “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!” (customized version).

Click on image to expand.

Special thank you for all who are making this program possible

To make the Imagination Library available, The Dollywood Foundation partners with a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit and other organizations and individuals in the community who act as Local Program Partners. In California, the Imagination Library is also supported by a 50% State Match, administered through the California State Library. The Nevada City Rotary Club Foundation and First 5 Nevada County would like to recognize several of the local organizations and individuals who helped make this program possible in Nevada County as founding contributors:

  • Rotary Club of Nevada City Foundation
  • Rotary Club of Nevada City
  • Truckee Rotary Club
  • Penn Valley Rotary Club
  • Grass Valley Rotary Club
  • Rotary District 5190
  • B & C Ace Home and Garden Center
  • Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC
  • Lance and Linda Amaral
  • Lee & Janice Osborne
  • Nevada County Superintendent of Schools
  • Other Nevada County residents and community support
  • SPD Market
  • Volz Bros Automotive
  • United Way of Nevada County
  • Numerous unnamed donors

Our partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library ensures all Nevada County children can have a great selection of books at home. Thank you for being a champion of literacy, a supporter of dreams, and a beacon of hope for children in Nevada County. Together, we can make a difference, one book at a time.

With heartfelt gratitude
 
Andrea Mason
President Elect
Co-Chair, Youth Services Committee
 

P.O. Box 74, Nevada City, CA 95959