Free books for Elgin area kids!
Sign up your kids from 0-5 years for the Imagination Library
The Imagination Library Program was started in 1995 by Dolly Parton because she wanted every child birth to five years of age to have his or her own library of books. Dolly understood the importance of exposing children to reading at an early age, so she began sending books every month, free of charge, to kids in her county. Thanks to our community sponsors and partners in literacy, the United Way of Elgin brought the Imagination Library to the families of the Elgin area in February 2009.
Free books monthly for all local children
The United Way of Elgin and the Education Impact Council present the first free-book program for Elgin’s children. Our sponsors and community partners have helped the United Way enroll 4,767 children. A few details about the program:
- All children from birth to just under five years of age who live in Elgin, South Elgin, Hampshire, Pingree Grove, or Burlington are eligible to participate in the book program, at no cost to them, regardless of family income.
- Books will be sent out to participating children once a month until they reach five years of age. Each book is age appropriate. The collection of books includes such titles as The Little Engine That Could, The Poky Little Puppy, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Favorite Finger Rhymes, Little Cloud, The Owl and The Pussycat, and The Gingerbread Man.
Frequently asked questions:
What are the responsibilities of the parent/guardian?
In addition to residing in the area mentioned above, the responsibilities include submitting an official registration form and notifying United Way anytime there is a change of address. Change of address notification is important because the books are mailed to the address listed on the registration form and cannot be forwarded.
When will the child receive his/her books?
Books will begin arriving at the child's home about eight to ten weeks after the registration form has been received by United Way of Elgin. The books will continue to be sent until the child turns five or moves out of the eligible geographical area. If a child does not receive the first book or misses a book one month, parents should first talk to their mail carrier about the issue and then call the United Way of Elgin if more help is needed.
Are books available in Spanish?
The Dollywood Foundation selects the book titles each year, and bilingual books are included for everyone in the program based on the availability from their publisher. Most children will receive at least one bilingual book each year they are enrolled. However, even if a parent cannot read English, telling the story by looking at the pictures will increase the child’s vocabulary.
Sounds great, how do I sign up?
Register online here, or download the registration form and mail it to our office at 1797 N. La Fox, South Elgin, IL 60177.
For further information call the United Way of Elgin at 847-741-2259 or contact us by filling out the form at the bottom of the page.
What are some other reading resources?
Reading to your children often encourages a love of reading and helps them enter children ready to succeed. Check out the below resources for more tips on how to engage your children with their free books!
- Born Learning, the United Way of America's early learning resource site.
- Thinkfinity, the Verizon Foundation's educational resources.
- NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children's tips.
- PBS, the PBS reading and writing tips site.
How can I help?
In addition to our sponsors, 
listed below, the program is funded in part by individual donations. If you'd like to sponsor a child for a year, donate $30 today!
Thank you to our sponsors and partners
Thanks again to our partners in literacy, JPMorgan Chase Foundation, EFS Foundation,and the Fideliter Club for sponsoring the program. Thank you also to other community partners, such as the Gail Borden Public Library, Ella Johnson Memorial Public Library, Elgin Day Care, U-46 Parents as Teachers, Greater Elgin Family Care Center, Head Start, Well Child Center, WIC Program, VNA of Fox Valley, Kane County Health Department, Kane County’s Clerks Office, Elgin Township, and the Elgin Police Department’s Residents Officer.
If you have questions about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, contact us.
