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Imagination Library

The FRC is a proud affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the largest children’s literacy program in the world.

Books Delivered by Mail, Each Month

Every month, children who are registered with the program receive through the mail an age-appropriate, high-quality book, personally addressed to them.

  • Everyone in Eau Claire County is eligible (click here to check availability)
  • There is no cost for families to participate
  • Books are chosen for each child’s age by child psychologists and reading specialists
  • English, Spanish and Braille books are available
  • Children who experience regular reading time develop strong attention spans, better social skills, and emotional resilience
  • Research shows that reading aloud daily and having more books in the home predicts success in school
  • Each book leaf contains tips for making reading more enjoyable for you and your child

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been shown to increase the frequency of reading books together, leading to increased kindergarten readiness.

Sign Up:

1. Click to download a registration form

2. Send your completed form into us

  • Mail to: FRC Eau Claire, 4800 Golf Rd Suite 450, Eau Claire, WI 54701
  • Drop it off at the FRC Playroom inside Oakwood Mall, or
  • Email the form to books@frcec.org

Please allow 6-8 weeks for book delivery after you receive a confirmation email. If you have questions please email us at books@frcec.org.

For more information and access to books in Braille, please visit this link.

Related Events

“When my family moved to Eau Claire from Washington state, we didn’t have an established community here. We loved receiving Imagination Library books before our move, so I was thrilled to find the program available here as well. That one call to FRC about the Imagination Library led to so much more—I’ve connected with other families through playgroups, built relationships with the wonderful FRC staff, and accessed Triple P for additional parenting support. Eau Claire has been such a welcoming community for my family.”

 

Sarah H.

Imagination Library FAQs

What is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is an international program that offers free books to children each month from birth until age 5. This program is available to any child living in the Eau Claire County.
Who is eligible to participate?
This program is for children from birth to age 4 years 10 months who are residents of Eau Claire County. Due to processing time, the age cutoff for registration is 4 years, 10 months.
How do I register?
You can register by either mailing your application or registering in person at The Family Resource Center, 4800 Golf Road Suite 450, Eau Claire, WI 54701.
What are my responsibilities?
  • Be a resident of Eau Claire County.
  • Submit an official registration form, completely filled out by a parent or guardian.
  • Please notify the Family Resource Center any time your address changes, so that your child can continue to receive books at your new address.
  • Read with your child.
Can books be sent to P.O. boxes?
No. You must have an address within Eau Claire County.
How long will it take for my child to receive their first book?
It may take 6 to 9 weeks for the delivery of your child’s first book.
Is there a program like this for older kids?
There is no equivalent program for older children. But there is a library near you where librarians can suggest age-appropriate books for your child. Reading with your child every day supports their development.
Who do I contact for questions regarding this program?
Please contact the Family Resource Center Inc. at 715-833 1735 or info@frcec.org.
Who pays for the books?

Some people think Dolly Parton pays for the books children received. While she created the program, the cost of books is born by the community. From 2022-2027, the Pablo Foundation will pay for almost all the books, (with other donations from the O’Meara Family Fund and the Eau Claire Elks Lodge). If you would like to pay for your (grand)child’s books, $135 will cover the cost of their participation—and you can mail a check with Dolly Parton in the memo for any amount.

We are currently fundraising $1.6 million for an endowment through the Eau Claire Community Foundation to pay for books for local children for future generations. To find out more click here.

This program is generously supported by the Pablo Foundation and donations from community members.

Find Us

Address:

We are located in Oakwood Mall at 4800 Golf Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

Where to park:

Park between the former Sears building and the backside of Hobby Lobby.

Mall entrance:

Please enter through Service Door 21 starting at 9:00 am.

All other mall doors remain locked until 10:00 am.

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