Sep 17, 2026 - News

Dolly Parton's free book program expands in Houston

Shafaq Patel

Photo of Dolly Parton reading to kids on a set. — Dolly Parton reads to children during a 2022 NBC special. Photo: Katherine Bomboy/NBC via Getty Images

More children across the Houston region can get free books delivered to their homes through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

Why it matters: The program aims to build early literacy by putting books directly into the hands of children before they start school.

The latest: Houston Public Library earlier this month entered into an agreement with the Imagination Library of Greater Houston to help more families enroll in the program. HPL will serve as a "Family Touch Point," with library staff helping parents register their children.

Plus, Harris County Public Library began offering registration at all of its branches this summer.

How it works: Children receive a free age-appropriate book in the mail every month until their 5th birthday. A child enrolled at birth could receive as many as 60 books.

Families can register at any of its branches, with books available in English or bilingual English-Spanish editions.

Flashback: The Imagination Library of Greater Houston started in 2019 as an initiative of the YMCA of Greater Houston and is now an independent nonprofit.

Follow the money: The Imagination Library of Greater Houston raises money to pay for printing and mailing the books.

Go deeper: Dolly Parton's legacy

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Dolly Parton's free book program expands in Houston

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