It's called the library that Dolly built, but what it does in put books in the hands of children here in the lakes area and beyond. This week, in honor of Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday 8/25/2026, B93.3 radio, The Brainerd Elks and Lakes Area Untied Way are teaming up and asking for donations to the Imagination Library.

Imagination Library is a program offering free books to kids aged birth through 5 years of age. Studies have shown a direct correlation between the number of books in the home with early childhood literacy rates, which directly impact a child's reading ability when entering kindergarten. With Imagination Library, participating kids receive one age-appropriate book in the mail each month, and any children under 5 who reside in Crow Wing, Aitkin or Cass Counties are eligible for enrollment. While our local United Way office pays for the program through contributions, it is free to those enrolled.

Sponsoring a child through Imagination Library is a great way to encourage early childhood literacy. Research demonstrates literacy rates at the beginning of kindergarten are strong indicators of future academic and professional success. By investing in Imagination Library, you invest in our youngest generation and our community as a whole. For only $30, you can give a child the gift of literacy by providing them with one book each month for an entire year. This donation multiplies tenfold to be a large impact on a child's future. For $150 you can cover the cost for a child to be enrolled in the program for a full 5 years.

Please email contactus@unitedwaynow.org for more information.

Due to a high volume of new registrations, we have had to start a waiting list to enroll children! Donate now to help get these children funded through the program.

Click here to go to the DONATE NOW PAGE