Houston Public Library joins Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, letting families register for free monthly books at branches

Houston Public Library signed an agreement this month with the Imagination Library of Greater Houston to help families register children for Dolly Parton's free book program.

Under the agreement, Houston Public Library will act as a Family Touch Point, with library staff helping parents register their children for the program. The agreement expands enrollment access beyond the nonprofit's own outreach and follows a separate move by Harris County Public Library, which began offering registration at all of its branches this summer.

The program mails one free, age-appropriate book to each enrolled child every month until the child turns 5. A child enrolled at birth can receive as many as 60 books through the program. Families can choose books in English or bilingual English-Spanish editions.

The Imagination Library's stated goal is to build early literacy by putting books directly into the hands of children before they start school. Dolly Parton launched the national effort in 1995.

In Houston, the local effort began in 2019 as an initiative of the YMCA of Greater Houston. It has since grown into an independent nonprofit that raises money to cover the costs of printing and mailing the books.

By adding registration points inside both city and county library systems, the Imagination Library of Greater Houston can reach families who may not otherwise encounter the program.

Families interested in enrolling a child can register at participating Houston Public Library and Harris County Public Library branches. No cost is charged to families for the monthly books.