The Imagination Library began in 1995 in Tennessee, when Dolly Parton wanted to "stimulate children's imaginations and encourage reading within the family at an early age." She provided one book a month to children from birth to age 5, for a total of 60 free books by the time they entered kindergarten. In 1999, she began offering the books nationwide and even internationally by inviting communities to set up affiliate programs. Now, over 2,000 local affiliate organizations, like ours, not only help enroll children in their respective communities, but also raise money to cover the cost of the books. The free books are mailed to children each month, and our program serves children in Johnson County, Indiana.