Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

At Nemaha County Community Health Services, we believe that early literacy is one of the best ways to set children up for lifelong success. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library—a free program that mails a new, age-appropriate book each month to children from birth to age five.

No cost. No catch. Just books delivered straight to your child’s mailbox.

This program is available to all children living in Nemaha County, regardless of income or background. From colorful board books for babies to stories that help preschoolers prepare for school, each book is carefully selected to inspire imagination and build early reading skills.

Signing up is quick and easy, and families can begin receiving books within a few weeks of enrollment. The earlier you enroll, the more books your child will receive—up to 60 books by the time they turn five!

Give your child the gift of stories, right from the start.

What are the Benefits?

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library does more than provide free books—it helps lay the foundation for a child’s future success. Decades of research show that early exposure to books and reading plays a critical role in a child’s brain development, school readiness, and lifelong learning.

Key benefits of the program include:

Early exposure to language and reading – Regular reading helps children build vocabulary, strengthen listening skills, and improve comprehension.
Supports brain development – Engaging with books from infancy stimulates imagination and supports early cognitive growth.
Encourages parent-child bonding – Reading together fosters strong emotional connections and supports positive routines.
Improves kindergarten readiness – Children who are read to regularly tend to enter school with stronger literacy and learning skills.
Promotes educational equity – All children, regardless of background or income, receive high-quality books to support early learning.

Receiving a new book each month helps children build a personal library and encourages a love of reading that can last a lifetime. The earlier families enroll, the more books their child can receive—up to 60 by age five.

How Does it Work?

All you have to do is register your child with The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and we'll take care of the rest!