DOLLY PARTON'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY
Free Monthly Books Delivered to Children Ages 0–5
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United Way Rock River Valley proudly funds Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a free early childhood literacy program serving families across Winnebago County. The program delivers high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes—at no cost to families.
How the program works
From birth through age five, enrolled children receive a new book in the mail every month. These monthly deliveries help families build a home library and create consistent reading routines during the years when children’s brains are developing most rapidly.
Why early reading matters
The first five years of life are a critical period for language development, learning, and social-emotional growth. Children who are read to early and often build stronger vocabulary, listening skills, and confidence—key foundations for success in school.
A community investment in literacy
By funding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, United Way Rock River Valley helps remove barriers to early literacy. This investment ensures that children in Winnebago County—regardless of income or circumstance—have the opportunity to develop a love of reading and enter kindergarten ready to learn.
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My daughter literally does a happy dance when she opens the mailbox and sees a new book has arrived. We can't start reading soon enough — it's the cutest thing. I love seeing her love for books grow.
— Imagination Library parent
Don't Have a Stable Mailing Address? We've Got You Covered.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library sends free books every month to children from birth to age 5. But we know that not every family has a reliable address to receive mail.
That's why we set up a community pickup option. When you enroll your child, you can choose a nearby partner location to pick up their books instead. No permanent address required.
Pick up books at any of these locations in Rockford:
Institute of Languages, Math and Sciences
5601 Wansford Way Rockford, IL 61109
Contact: Faten or Maliha
ilms_office@ilmstutor.com
Brooke Road United Methodist Church
1404 Brooke Rd Rockford, IL 61109
Contact: Carolyn Kloss
carolyn@brookerd.org
Lathrop Elementary
2603 Clover Ave Rockford, IL 61102
Contact: Ms. Luna
fabiola.luna@rps205.com
Gomez Chapel AME Church
1509 Michigan Ave Rockford, IL 61102
Contact: Rev. Yvetta Yance or Rev. Karla Garcia
1yyance@gmail.com or revkarlagarcia@gmail.com
The Stretching Suite
6053 Fincham Dr, Suite #3 Rockford, IL 61108
Contact: Sarah Kowalewski
sarahtrainshealth@gmail.com
United Way Rock River Valley Literacy Lounge
612 N Main St, 3rd Floor Rockford, IL 61103
Contact: Dan Berman
dberman@unitedwayrrv.org
Every child deserves a book. We'll figure out the delivery together.
Fill out the information below to register for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
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Donations keep Dolly Parton's Imagination Library available!
We are able to provide this amazing resource for children and families in part because of generous donations from people like you. Half the cost of the program is covered thanks to a grant from the state of Illinois, but the rest of the funding is generated by our wonderful donors. All children deserve to have access to quality books in their home, and the Imagination Library makes that possible.