fbpx DPIL - Wake County Smart Start
Contact
Family Support Connection Tool
Apply
Wake Pre-K Early learning for 4-year-olds Wake ThreeSchool Early learning for 3-year-olds Wake Connections Parent support programs
Need Help?

How Can We Help?

Select a Topic:

Or Search, Below:

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

DPIL Enrolled Families Information

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to fostering a love of reading for children birth to age five. Every month, children enrolled in the program receive a high-quality, age-appropriate book mailed directly to their homes.

Building a home library positively impacts early literacy skills and future success by providing easy access to books, which improves vocabulary, academic achievement, and lifelong learning.

Statistics and independent reports have shown Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library drastically improves early childhood literacy and enhances Kindergarten readiness for children enrolled in the program.

 

FAQ

Why do my child’s books come at different times every month?
Penguin Random House specially prints Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library books every month, keeping program costs affordable. Books are mailed as the publisher has them ready, which varies from month to month. Your children’s books can arrive at any point in the month.
I am moving. How do I change my address?
It is extremely important to remember to contact us to change your address when you move. Please reach out to Denise Rossi Program Specialist, Early Literacy by email drossi@wakesmartstart.org or phone (919) 723-9272. If you provided an email address during registration, you can also change your address through your parent account. If you move outside of Wake County, you can no longer receive books from the Imagination Library through Wake County Smart Start. However, you can check here to see if it is available in your new area.
My child stopped receiving books. What happened?
If your child recently turned 5 years old, they have graduated from the program. Their last book should have been Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! If you moved, please contact us and give us your new address as books are not forwarded. If your new address is still in Wake County, we can update your child’s account. Please note: It may take 10-12 weeks for book delivery to begin at a new address. If your new address is outside of Wake County, we will attempt to transfer your registration to an affiliate serving your new community.
What is the Parent Area?
The Parent Area is a dedicated online portal designed exclusively for parents and caregivers participating in the Imagination Library program. This secure space provides comprehensive tools and resources to enhance your family's reading experience and manage your account effectively. Key Features Include: Book Preview: View and learn about the books your child will receive in the upcoming month Program Partner Contact: Access detailed information to contact your local Program Partner for support and inquiries Account Management: Update your email address and manage communication preferences Address Updates: Change your mailing address to ensure books are delivered to the correct location Email Communications Language: Select your preferred language for all email communications from the program Educational Resources: Access reading tips, activities, and age-appropriate guidance Directions for accessing the Parent Area: Coming soon
Why is my child’s status listed as “pending”?
Children are placed into a pending area when a parent edits their account. Once the program coordinator reviews and approves the information, parents receive a confirmation email and the child’s account is no longer pending. The accounts of children who have recently moved are flagged and moved into a pending area until their address is updated.
How can I keep up to date with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Wake County?
When you enroll your child with a valid email address, you will automatically receive a Wake County Smart Start Imagination Library Newsletter email the third Tuesday of every month. This newsletter provides information about the Imagination Library in Wake County, fun literacy activities to do at home, other literacy resources in your community, and so much more. Be sure to whitelist or add Wake County Smart Start to your safe senders list to be sure you don’t miss one!