Imagination Library of Denver

Statement from Dolly

“Before he passed away, my Daddy told me the Imagination Library was probably the most important thing I had ever done. I can’t tell you how much that meant to me because I created the Imagination Library as a tribute to my Daddy. He was the smartest man I have ever known but I know in my heart his inability to read probably kept him from fulfilling all of his dreams.

Inspiring kids to love to read became my mission. In the beginning, my hope was simply to inspire the children in my home county but here we are today with a worldwide program that gives a book a month to well over 1 million children.

Of course, I have not done this alone. The real heroes of our story are the thousands of local organizations who have embraced my dream and made it their own. They raise millions of dollars each year and wake up every day with a passion to make sure their kids have every opportunity to succeed..."

Imagination Library of Denver

Imagination Library of Denver (ILD) has provided 86,000 free, high-quality, age appropriate books to Denver children since its founding in 2015. Currently, ILD mails books to more than 8,200 Denver kids 0–5 each month.

Based on our 2024 Denver Imagination Library Parent Surveys, 1/3 of families enrolled in Imagination Library depend on Imagination Library Denver as their primary source of books, and 95% believe that the program is helping prepare their child for kindergarten. 

With the State's commitment to match every dollar raised for books, every dollar donated is a book in the hand of Denver kid. Please consider supporting our fundraiser to provide Imagination Library books for Denver children.

Testimonials

• “We are so appreciative of the opportunity to build our child’s home library! The program send books with a diverse set of characters and settings, and my preschooler loves getting a book in the mail that is just for her!”
• “Muchimas gracias. Nos encantan los regalos de Dolly!”
• “I can't thank you enough for this amazing program. Our kids love all the books - they are the centerpiece to evenings and bedtime for our family.”
• “Thank you for providing so much support to families! It goes a lot deeper than books and we're so appreciative”
• “I’m just so glad this program exists! Some of my kids favorite books are ones they received through the imagination library program.”
• “I am beyond thankful for this program, my son would really have no books or an incredible desire to read them. Seeing a 3 year old ask for his book when he goes to the mail is the best feeling. Thank you”
• “Thank you for creating this program for families who can’t afford to buy books often, or have time to go to a local library.”
• “Me encanta como los libros son de una variedad de tipos y de autoras fuertes.”