Imagination Library of the Pikes Peak Region
The Story Continues!
When the Imagination Library program serving El Paso and Teller counties faced closure, the Pikes Peak Early Literacy Foundation stepped forward to keep the books coming. We are now working to assume responsibility for the program, ensuring that thousands of young children in our community continue receiving the gift of a free book delivered to their homes every month.
Our mission goes beyond simply preserving the program. We want to expand its reach so that every eligible child in the Pikes Peak Region has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their family’s income or circumstances. Our vision is to grow the program to serve over 20,000 children, bringing the joy of reading into more homes.
Putting books in the hands of thousands of local children requires strong community backing. As we navigate this transition and our future, your support matters more than ever.
Together we can build a lasting legacy of literacy, one child, one book, and one month at a time.
We understand that
Big dreams begin
with First Books.
More about the Imagination Library Program
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is more than a book distribution program. It is an investment in our children’s futures. By delivering high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children from birth to age five, the program helps foster a love of reading, strengthens family bonds, and builds the early literacy skills that are essential for success in school and beyond. Every book delivered represents an opportunity for a parent and child to read, learn, and grow together.
Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, children receive books mailed directly to their home every month until their fifth birthday.
Once enrolled your child will get a book each month mailed directly to them. Every book is specially chosen for the age group by the Dolly Parton Foundation.
? Free books, delivered
Beautiful stories arrive by mail for enrolled children, at no cost to their families.
? Little moments matter
Reading together helps young minds explore words, ideas, and possibilities.
? A community effort
Donors, businesses, and volunteers help bring books to families in our region.
Who pays for all the books?
The books are delivered to children completely free of charge, but the books themselves are not FREE!
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library works with publishers to select and produce high-quality, age-appropriate books and coordinates their delivery directly to children’s homes. However, the cost of the books and postage must be covered through funding from the state and local communities.
Here in the Pikes Peak region, the State of Colorado helps cover 50% of the cost, while the remaining 50% depends on the generosity of our local community.
The Imagination Library of the Pikes Peak Region is supported by the Pikes Peak Early Literacy Foundation (Pikes Peak ELF), an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the joy of reading to children throughout El Paso and Teller counties and the entire Pikes Peak Region.
We rely on the generosity of local families, individuals, businesses, foundations, and community organizations to keep these books arriving in children’s mailboxes every month.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the program cost?
The Imagination Library program requires approximately $250,000 annually to provide free books to children currently enrolled throughout El Paso and Teller counties. The State of Colorado covers 50% of these costs, while the remaining $125,000 must be raised locally through the generosity of individuals, businesses, foundations, and community supporters.
Families never pay a penny. Every book is delivered directly to a child’s home, completely free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our community and the support of the State of Colorado.
Who can enroll?
Our foundation proudly serves families throughout El Paso and Teller counties in Colorado. Every child under the age of five who lives in these counties is eligible to enroll, regardless of family income, and receive a free, age-appropriate book delivered directly to their home each month until their fifth birthday.
How can my business help?
How Can My Business Help?
Local businesses play a vital role in keeping the Imagination Library thriving. Your business can make a meaningful difference through corporate sponsorships, financial contributions, employee giving programs, volunteer opportunities, and community outreach partnerships.
Whether your company is large or small, your support helps put books into the hands of young children, promotes early literacy, and builds a stronger future for our community.
Partnering with the Pikes Peak Early Literacy Foundation is an opportunity to invest directly in the children and families of the Pikes Peak region.
Contact us to explore sponsorship opportunities and discover how your business can help keep the books coming!