Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
It was Dolly Parton's vision to help all children succeed. Dolly understood inspiring a love of reading from a young age significantly impacts a child's success in school and in life. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program brings Dolly's vision to life by providing children ages 0-5 years of age with free books once a month.
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How It Works
​​Learn more about how Dolly Parton's Imagination Library works in partnership with local program partners such as United Way Manitowoc County. Click the PDF image below to read why United Way fundraises for the program, and how United Way works with the Imagination Library team to provide children in Manitowoc County with free books every month.
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Eligibility & Enrollment​
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Child must be under 5 years of age
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Child must reside in a community where Dolly Parton's Imagination Library exists
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A parent or guardian can enroll the child online or by paper form​
PLEASE NOTE: The first book takes between 6-12 weeks to arrive. Following the initial book, enrollees will receive a new book on a monthly basis.
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Questions? Please contact Ben, United Way's Program & Outreach Director, at (920) 682-8888 or ben@unitedwaymanitowoccounty.org.
WHY EARLY CHILDHOOD LITERACY IS IMPORTANT
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90% of physical brain development occurs in the first three years of life, when a baby forms over 1 million new neural connections per second.
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Kids may not be able to read words at a very young age, but they will understand feelings associated with the words that are read to them. Books help build vocabulary and an understanding of feelings and others.
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The number of words a child knows before starting school is a key predictor of their school readiness.
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Access to just 10 books is known to be a significant contributor to early literacy skills.
Manitowoc County Statistics
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According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's (DPI) 2023-24 district-wide report cards for school districts in Manitowoc County that submit data, our youth scored at or below the statewide average.
SUPPORT EARLY LITERACY
Every dollar donated goes directly to children in Manitowoc County.
What Your $1 Buys | Books​
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$3 buys 1 book for 1 child
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$36 buys 12 books for 1 child
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$72 buys 24 books for 1 child
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$108 buys 36 books for 1 child
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$144 buys 48 books for 1 child
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$180 buys 60 books for 1 child
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What Your $1 Buys | Years
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$36 helps 1 child receive books for 1 year
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$72 helps 1 child receive books for 2 years
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$108 helps 1 child receive books for 3 years
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$144 helps 1 child receive books for 4 years
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$180 helps 1 child receive books for 5 years
Our Volunteer Action Team Making It All Possible
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