What is Dolly Parton's Imagination Library?

On Saturday, August 7, 2021, we launched Pierce Pepin Imagination Library through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Pierce and Pepin counties. This program for children from birth to age five is FREE to all families in Pierce and Pepin counties. Dolly Parton founded the program to encourage children to develop a love of reading at a young age. Parton created the program in honor of her father, who could not read or write. This program fits perfectly with Cooperative Principle Five: Education, Training, and Information, and Cooperative Principle Seven: Concern for Community - we are bringing early education to children every month. In April 2024, we launched a second program, WIRIVERFALLS, that serves children in River Falls living in St. Croix County.

Additional Program Details
Once a child is registered for Pierce Pepin Imagination Library, they will receive an age-appropriate book in the mail every month. The best part? Again, this program comes at no cost to the children or families; it is 100% free!  

Pierce Pepin Imagination Library is funded through Pierce Pepin Cares, the charitable foundation of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services.  Pierce Pepin Cares supports programs and projects in the PPCS service territory that help residents in our rural communities Live Better. Pierce Pepin Cares is funded by the generous donations of PPCS members who have chosen to enroll in Operation Round Up and through direct donations.

Registered children will “graduate” from the program and receive their last book the month of their fifth birthday.  “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!” (customized version) is the graduation book each child receives. By February 2025, 561 children had graduated from the program.

This is a very exciting program for families in Pierce and Pepin counties. To register your child, click the link to the right or scan the QR code. Would you like to help support the Imagination Library program? Donations can be sent to Pierce Pepin Cares, our 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, at PO Box 420, Ellsworth, WI 54022. Write "DPIL" on the memo of your check, and your donation will be designated for the Imagination Library.

A Special Note for Grandparents
We know you're excited about this program and want to register your grandchildren. Please remember that Pierce Pepin Imagination Library is only open to children residing in Pierce/Pepin Counties or River Falls in St. Croix County. We ask that you not register the children using your home address if they do not live with you.  The U.S. Postal Service will not deliver books to homes where no children reside. The Postal Service is not obligated to return these books to us because they are shipped at a non-profit rate, so we end up paying for books that cannot be delivered.