Dolly Parton launched Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in 1995. This initiative began as a program to benefit children in her home county and has grown over the last thirty years. Thanks to the generosity of Milt & Jean Cole, Imagination Library was launched in Cass County in 2007. They sponsored the program for many years, providing books to hundreds of children in our community. 
Cass County Reading Railroad, an internal initiative of United Way of Cass County, is proud to serve as the local affiliate for this program. The Imagination Library strongly aligns with Reading Railroad's purpose of fostering a love of reading and empowering parents to be their child's first teacher.
In September of 2023, the State of Indiana began offering a match. They have covered half of our monthly cost since. While Imagination Library covers various expenses and coordinates book selection and fulfillment, local affiliates cover the cost of books and mailing costs. United Way of Cass County pays $1.30 per month per enrolled child, as well as coordinates the program for Cass County. You can download the infographic for the full details of how this program works by clicking here. United Way of Cass County also works to obtain updated addresses from families when they move, ensuring that children continue to receive books.
Since 2007, 205,443 books have been mailed out to Cass County children ages 0-5.
How Does My Child Start Receiving Books from the Imagination Library program?
Children must be signed up for this program. Parents can register their child online by clicking here. Once your child is registered and approved, it might take 8-12 weeks before receiving the first book.
What Should I Know if My Child is Already Registered?
- If you've already received your first book, you should receive the books at about the same time each month.
- If you move, please update your address. If you have a parent account, you can update this from your account. You can also contact us via e-mail at karmstrong@unitedwayofcasscounty.org or call 574-753-3533
- The book order system processes once a month, a month in advance. Updating your address will help to avoid delays in receiving books at your new address.
- Many of the books have activities and learning ideas on the inside cover. Try these out to add more engagement to the story!