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. The program was founded by Dolly Parton 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. 

200 Million Reasons to Celebrate
In late June 2023, the Dollywood Foundation announced they had reached the milestone of sending 200 million books to children. To celebrate this global 200 million book milestone, seven enchanting Dolly bookmarks will be randomly hidden inside Imagination Library books gifted during International Literacy Month (September 2023) to children/families currently enrolled in the program. (Children must be enrolled by July 31, 2023, to receive Imagination Library books in September).

Seven random children/families in five countries who find the Dolly bookmarks in their Imagination Library books will receive, if they choose, a video chat with Dolly, a personalized signed letter from Dolly, an autographed photo from Dolly, and four Dollywood Theme Park tickets. The Dollywood Foundation will also donate $2000 on behalf of the child to their Local Imagination Library Partner in their community as a thank you to whom Dolly calls the true heroes of her program. 

PPCS is Joining the Celebration
The Pierce Pepin Imagination Library will be holding a prize drawing for children who complete Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors coloring sheet. The coloring sheet can be downloaded or picked up at the PPCS office. The child does not have to be enrolled in the Imagination Library, but he/she must be ten years of age or younger. Entries can be dropped off at the PPCS office at W7725 US Highway 10, or mailed to PO Box 420, Ellsworth, WI 54011 no later than July 31, 2023. The child’s name, age, address, and parent contact information must be written on the back of the sheet. Each child is allowed one entry. Once all entries are submitted, four winners will be drawn and awarded a $25 gift card.

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 June 2023, 224 children have 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.