LONGVIEW, Texas – The Greater Longview United Way is bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library directly to families in Gregg County, offering a free, hand‑selected book each month to children from birth through age five. The initiative, which began in 1995, aims to give every child a solid foundation for reading by building a personal home library.
How the program works
Parents and caregivers can register online through the Imagination Library website or by contacting the local United Way affiliate. Once enrolled, a child receives a high‑quality, age‑appropriate book each month at no cost to the family. Over the course of five years, a participant can collect as many as 60 books, creating a diverse collection that grows with the child’s development.
Local impact
According to the Greater Longview United Way, more than 90,000 books have been distributed to roughly 2,500 local children in the past three and a half years. The organization emphasizes that early access to books at home helps children develop language skills, comprehension, and a lifelong love of reading.
“We’ve seen families tell us how a simple book at bedtime can spark curiosity and conversation,” said a spokesperson for Greater Longview United Way. “Providing these resources for free removes a barrier for many families and supports the values of strong families and community.”
Why early literacy matters
Research consistently shows that children who are read to regularly from a young age are more likely to succeed academically and socially. By delivering books directly to homes, the Imagination Library reduces reliance on school‑based resources alone and ensures that every child, regardless of income, has a personal library to explore.
How to sign up
Gregg County residents can verify program availability and begin registration by visiting the Imagination Library website or contacting the Greater Longview United Way office. The process is straightforward: families provide basic contact information, select a preferred mailing address, and the first book is mailed shortly after enrollment.
For more information, families may also visit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library site or call the Greater Longview United Way directly.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
