Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library set to launch in Imperial Valley

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) — A new early literacy initiative is coming to the Imperial Valley, aiming to put free books into the hands of thousands of local children before the upcoming school year.

Soroptimist International of El Centro and the Regional Chamber of Commerce have partnered to launch a local chapter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Founded by the iconic country music star, the world-renowned program mails free, high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children's homes every month from birth until age five.

Organizers estimate that roughly 13,000 children across the Imperial Valley are eligible for the program. However, to officially jumpstart the initiative and cover initial costs, coordinators are turning to the local business community for financial backing.

"Our hope is to raise about $56,000 so that we can launch this program in the next couple of months," said Christina Green, Community Engagement Coordinator. "We’re instilling a love of reading, exposing them to worlds outside of what they know, and getting them ready to start their school journey."

Sponsorship contributions will directly fund book purchases and mailing costs for local families. Organizers are actively seeking corporate partners, local businesses, and foundations to help reach their $56,000 launch goal. If you or your organization would like to get involved as a founding sponsor, you can email organizers directly at info@ca.imaginationlibrary.com.

Parents can register their children online right now. To verify eligibility and begin the enrollment process, visit the Imagination Library Check Availability page. Once on the page, simply click your state and county to sign up your child.

Local families can also get a first look at the program in person on July 9th. The Imagination Library will host a dedicated registration and information booth at the El Centro Library during its Summer Reading Program.