UNITED WAY OF RENO COUNTY
As March marks National Reading Month, United Way of Reno County reminds Kansans of the opportunity to build a free home library with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
By enrolling in this program, all young children (from newborns to age five) across the Sunflower State are eligible to receive one free, age-appropriate book mailed directly to their home each month. There are no qualifications other than age and Kansas residency. Families do not need to meet income requirements or complete extensive paperwork. If a child is under five and lives in Kansas, they qualify.
Children enrolled from birth can receive up to 60 books by the time they are ready for kindergarten, and every eligible child in a household can be enrolled to receive their own books. While families may occasionally receive a duplicate title, new selections are regularly introduced to keep the reading experience fresh and engaging.
Recent research underscores the powerful impact of the program. A newly published international study found that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is linked to stronger early literacy outcomes and richer reading experiences at home. The study indicates the program helps close early literacy gaps by strengthening foundational skills, increasing how often children are read to, and boosting children’s interest and engagement during shared book reading. It also found that families participating in the program are more likely to develop positive reading habits and traditions, with caregivers engaging in meaningful interactions—creating a warm, consistent home literacy environment that supports long-term success.
“Our goal is simple: put books into the hands of children and help families build a culture of reading at home,” said Elizabeth Walton, Development Manager and Dolly Parton Imagination Library Manager at UWRC. “The recent study confirms what we see in our communities every day—when children receive books of their own, families read together more often, conversations grow richer, and kids develop stronger early literacy skills. This program is about more than books. It’s about creating joyful reading experiences that lay the foundation for lifelong learning.”
This reading month, UWRC encourages families and community members to sign up eligible children they might know and spread the word about this free community program supported by UWRC. For more information or to enroll a child, visit: www.uwrenocounty.org/free-kids-books.