How to Get Free Books for Kids in Central Florida with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (And Other Opportunities)
“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” Margaret Fuller said this, and I think this is especially true for young minds. To put a book in the hands of a child (even better – for free) is to “foster a love of reading and feel the magic of books” – this is the M.O. of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
A year ago, I was casually approached by a man at a local community event at Dartmouth Park, where we struck up a conversation and he handed me a flyer. Most people toss flyers, let’s be honest, but I read what he was offering, and it sounded incredible.
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The Rotary Club of College Park was offering children my daughter’s age free books through a program called Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – at no cost to me. Without hesitation, I signed up.
With the Rotary Club championing this effort for our community, I am lucky to participate with my daughter. It puts books in front of us that offer a lot of value to growing children.
Around here, we’re big fans of free things to do for kids. Keep reading to learn about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and other ways to receive free books for kids in Orlando and throughout Central Florida.
About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
This year marks the 30 year anniversary of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, providing monthly books to children up to the age of five through their local communities. Their goal is to make books accessible regardless of income, completely free of charge to the receiving families.
Launched in 1995, this successful program has seen over 270 million free books gifted! Also available in the UK, Ireland, Canada, and Australia, eligible children can receive books from birth to 54 months.
Every book includes a letter or inscription from Dolly Parton sharing the values of what the child is about to read, about thoughts to ponder, and about dreams to dream. She consistently shares a beautiful message from book one until the day they ‘graduate’ from the program at age 5.
Books you might receive:
Some books include Llama Llama Red Pajama series favorites, Corduroy, The Little Engine That Could and other heartwarming educational tales like The Power of Yeti. There’s even a bilingual book list (English/Spanish)!
The month a child turns five years old, they will receive “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!”, just in time for little ones about to embark upon their next big kid adventure.
As a mother to a soon-to-be preschool graduate, this one serves as an excellent primer for excitement into the next chapter!
About the Rotary Club of College Park
Delivering their 50,000th book this May, The Rotary Club of College Park became a partner with the Dollywood Foundation in 2012 and has been successful in their endeavors to grow the program ever since. When approached about this article, Frank McMillan, Program Coordinator at The College Park Rotary Club told me, “We have had more than 1,000 graduates and now have more than 850 enrolled every month!”
Funded in large part by annual College Park community events and donation-based funding, the Rotary Club is able to offer this program now to zip codes in and around College Park, including 32804, 32805, 32808, and 32810.
“Our club could not have achieved this milestone without the support of our community.”, Frank continues. “The life-blood of our program is the support from friends who make a monthly donation of $13 which provides a book every month for five children.”
How to Enroll in the Program
Parents can enroll on-line by going to www.imaginationlibrary.com. The Rotary Club in College Park is open for a limited number of new applicants, depending on funding. There is a waiting list available as required.
Donate and Support This Great Program
College park’s annual Taste of College Park event is a huge fundraising opportunity for this program, and many of the proceeds benefit the Imagination Library efforts.
The best way to make a donation is to go to www.cprbooks.com. Frank tells me, “A recurring donation of $13 per month, which can be cancelled at any time, will provide a book every month mailed to five preschool children. But any donation is welcome!”
Other Ways to Receive Free Books in Orlando
- Little Free Libraries
- Public Library programs
- LEGO Magazine
- PJ Library
- New Worlds Reading
- Project Gutenberg
Before I knew about the Imagination Library, I had unknowingly picked up some of the handed-down books in my “take a book, leave a book”, i.e. “Little Free Libraries” while taking walks around my neighborhood.
I remember bringing home Llama Llama and Bully Goat at a perfect time, when my daughter came home grumbling about some challenges at preschool. The book served as exactly what she needed to understand the idea of bullying, even at minor levels.
Little did I know, my good find from a “take a book leave a book” actually came from the hearts and minds of the Imagination Library folks. Keeping this tradition of educating our children on core values, supporting their dreams, and feeding their imaginations, we make weekly walks to our neighborhood free libraries. It’s an excellent way to keep the creativity flowing.
Aside from your neighborhood little libraries, keep an eye out for other community offerings like at your County Library. For instance, the Seminole County Library Central Branch has a used booked store with 1 free book per child. And throughout the school year Seminole County Public Library has a “Library Explorers” program where kids can earn a free book.
Right now all local libraries are launching their summer reading programs, many of which result in a free book or two.
Additionally, other free book options include PJ Library for free books on Jewish Heritage, LEGO Magazine offers free issues, and New Worlds Reading is an excellent program targeting improved literacy in children.
More Free and Cheap Books
I noticed at my upcoming Kindergartener’s tour that the school pulled out a cart full of free books, and often stores will put free books out to lure people in (and support the love of reading, of course!).
The last resource to be aware of is Project Gutenberg, where there are over 75,000 eBook titles available for download, including many wonderful options for Children and Young Adults.
Walt Disney said, “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” So come on Orlando parents, let’s get our kiddos reading more!
Learn more at https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/
After all (I’m really loving all these book quotes, sorry not sorry): “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go” (Dr. Seuss). And you’re gonna go far, kid.
Bonus idea: The Book Bundler for boxes of bulk books by age and interest, including for adults, as low as $40 for 50 books!
