Imagination Library


In 1995, Dolly Parton launched an exciting new effort, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Dolly’s vision was to foster a love of reading among her county’s preschool children and their families by providing them with the gift of a specially selected book each month. By mailing high quality, age-appropriate books directly to their homes, she wanted children to be excited about books and to feel the magic that books can create. Moreover, she could insure that every child would have books, regardless of their family’s income.

In 2013, our local Imagination Library was established.  The local Imagination Library Program was founded as a collaborative effort between charitable business owners, philanthropic donors, the Wexford-Missaukee Intermediate School District, the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce and the Cadillac Area Community Foundation.

This Program provides one, age-appropriate book per month to every child in Wexford and Missaukee County from birth to age five.  The Dolly Parton Foundation “Imagination Library” offers their assistance by determining which books are age appropriate;  and sending them to the family’s homes straight from their facility.

This program is open at all children, ages 0 – 5, in Wexford and Missaukee Counties at no charge.

Program funding is still by the community.  The Foundation houses two funds for this program;  the Imagination Library Pass Through Fund accepts donations for immediate use.  The Wexford-Missaukee ISD Early Childhood Endowment Fund accepts donations for the Imagination Library and endows them to insure the continuation of this program.

The National Standards Seal by our name indicates official confirmation from the Council on Foundations that we have met the most rigorous standards in philanthropy. It affirms our commitment to financial security, transparency and accountability. It says our grantmaking includes an open, competitive process designed to address the changing needs of our community. The National Standards Seal also confirms our history of honoring donors’ wishes.