How much does the program cost?  

Our BEGIN WITH BOOKS program is always 100% free to participating families -- but it is not free to us. 

Palmetto Project must raise $39 per child per year - every year. 

Each enrolled child receives one brand-new book, delivered by mail directly to the their home every month until they turn five (5) years-old. 

Does my family have to meet financial requirements? 

Nope! One of Dolly Parton's personal requirements is that the program be available to every child within a geographic area, so that no child feels singled out.  

Early childhood literacy is important in every economic bracket. 

How are the books chosen?  

A distinguished panel of educators and librarians at The Dollywood Foundation select the books each year.  Books are chosen to be age appropriate and culturally diverse.  Book lists change each year so that siblings do not receive the same books as they age through the program.  

How are the books packed & shipped? 

Books are packed in clear cellophane wrap and shipped directly to each child by The Dollywood Foundation. The mailing label will include Palmetto Project and a book sponsor for the month, if we have one. 

Are books available in Spanish?

There are a few bilingual titles, but most books are in English. 

Do you know if the caregivers read the books to their children?  

We certainly hope so! But several studies have found that simply having books available makes a difference for child literacy-related outcomes in pre-school-aged children.  Dolly Parton's Imagination Library takes the first critical step to eliminating access barriers.  Additional literacy programs are provided by BEGIN WITH BOOKS volunteers to encourage parents to read to their children.   

What if a caregiver cannot read? 

Most adults - even those with limited literacy - can actually read at about a third-grade level!  Reading our books with their children may actually improve their own skills.  In addition, older siblings and extended family members will enjoy reading the books with younger children, improving overall family literacy habits.

Can the books be shipped to my workplace?  

No. Postal and program restrictions require the books be mailed to the child's residence.

How do we keep receiving books if we move? 

We must have record of a change in address in advance. If the new address is within our participating areas, there will be no interruption in delivery.  

 If the new address is out of the local registration zone, the child will no longer receive books from Palmetto Project and BEGIN WITH BOOKS, but may be transferred to another affiliate of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, if available.