Since we started the Imagination Library program in 2011 in SLO County, more than 27,000 books have been mailed to local children!

Each child enrolled in the program receives a new, age-appropriate book every month from enrollment through five years of age. From their first book, “The Little Engine That Could”, through the last book of the series, “Look Out Kindergarten Here I Come,” all books are reviewed and selected by a panel of experts.

Studies show that if a child can read at grade level by the time she or he is in fourth grade, they increase their chances of succeeding in middle school and graduating on time from high school. This program gets children excited about reading and before they even enter kindergarten, they can have their own personal library. It also helps strengthen families by encouraging positive interaction between adults and children through shared reading.

With United Way covering the cost of enrollment for many children, Imagination Library is especially valuable to low-income families who may find books to be an unaffordable luxury.

However, the number of children we can enroll is determined by the amount of generous donations we receive. 

Your donation to Imagination Library helps give the gift of literacy to local children. Enrollment costs $26/year per child, and the State of California now covers 50% of that cost.