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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enroll my child or grandchild?
What areas do you serve?
Who sponsors Dolly’s Imagination Library in the local communities?
How are the books selected and are they the same every year?
Can more than one child per family receive the books?
Does the Library include any bilingual books?
Are there any studies that quantify the impact of the Imagination Library?

1) Can I enroll my child or grandchild?

You can only enroll your child or grandchild if the child lives in Wilson County. If they do live in Wilson County, you can use the link to sign up online, or print out a form and bring it to our office.

2) We cover the following cities and all residents of Wilson County:

  • Lebanon 37087
  • Mt. Juliet 37122
  • Watertown 37184
  • Old Hickory 37138
  • Hermitage 37076
  • Auburntown 37016
  • Lascassas 37085

3) Who sponsors Dolly’s Imagination Library in the local communities?

There are all types of sponsors. The most common are United Way, local businesses, local foundations, school districts, education foundations, Chamber of Commerce, civic organizations, individuals and local government. In Wilson County the Lebanon / Wilson County Chamber of Commerce has taken the lead in organizing an education foundation, which organizes and runs the Books From Birth Program. Additionally, an annual fund raiser is held called The Imagination Dinner.

4) How are the books selected and are they the same every year?

There is a national committee of individuals who meet each year to review the Library. The committee is composed of representatives from Parents as Teachers National Center, the International Reading Association, the University of Tennessee, Rutgers University, and the teaching profession. New titles are introduced each year so younger siblings will not receive the exact same books as their older siblings. In addition, as the program grows even more quality books are available to us.

5) Can more than one child per family receive the books?

Yes, every child under the age of five in the family may receive his/her own library.

6) Does the Library include any bilingual books?

The Library does include 6-10 bilingual titles. The number changes each year depending upon availability and cost.

7) Are there any studies that quantify the impact of the Imagination Library?

Research continues to affirm the impact of Dolly’s Imagination Library.In 2003 the High Scope Research Foundation surveyed a national sample of parents and determined that 66%-75% of all families reported that they now read to their child more frequently. Since then, dozens of local surveys of parents have found similar results. The Tennessee Board of Regents asked kindergarten and pre-kindergarten teachers to compare learning attributes between children who received the Imagination Library and those that had not participated in the program- again, it was affirmed that Imagination Library children fared better on these learning attributes. More information on this study can be obtained at www.governorsfoundation.org. Specific information about all research efforts can be obtained through your Regional Director of The Dollywood Foundation. The contact information can be accessed at the Contact Us section of this website.