Welcome to the Imagination Library of Charles County!
CCPL is proud to partner with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association (SMRLA) to bring the joy of books to children under five, completely free of charge.
Each month, your child will receive a brand-new, age-appropriate book personalized with their name. Books are mailed directly to your home, creating a fun and exciting reading experience that encourages early learning and literacy.
Children must be under 4 years and 11 months old or younger and reside in Charles County at the time of registration to qualify.
This program was made possible in part by a generous donation from the Citizens for the Charles County Public Library, Inc. (C4CCPL).
Step 1: Register
Register any eligible child under 5 years old. The fastest way is through the online form. Paper applications are also available in English and Spanish at all CCPL locations or can be downloaded here, printed, and dropped off at any CCPL location. You may also call 301.645.1395 ext. 424 for assistance.
Step 2: Read Together
Reading with your child every day is one of the best ways to prepare them for success in school and in life. Your child’s first book will arrive in about 6 to 10 weeks through the U.S. Postal Service. After that, a new book will be mailed to your home each month until your child turns 5.
Step 3: Keep Your Address Updated
If you move, please update your address through the Parent Portal or call us at 301.645.1395. The U.S. Postal Service does not forward these deliveries, so it is important to keep your contact information up to date.
Who is eligible to receive free books?
Children under five who reside full-time or part-time in Charles County are eligible to participate.
Please note: Children must be 4 years and 11 months old or younger to be eligible to participate.
How do I register?
Use the “Register a Child” button above, visit any CCPL branch to complete a paper form, or ask staff for assistance.
When will books start arriving?
Books typically begin arriving 6 to 9 weeks after registration approval.
How are books delivered?
Books are mailed to the address you provided. If a book does not fit in your mailbox or there is a delivery issue, your local post office will leave instructions. Confirm your mailing address is correct before contacting the post office.
Please note: Charles County Public Library is not responsible for lost or stolen packages. The books are processed through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and delivered by the U.S. Postal Service; CCPL has no control over this process.
Do all children receive the same books?
Children receive books selected for their age group. A child enrolled from birth to age five can build a home library of up to 60 books. Learn more about how books are selected here.
Are bilingual or accessible books available?
Yes, some titles are bilingual (English and Spanish). Braille and audio book versions are also available through Imagination Library’s accessibility resources. To see a full list of this year’s books, including the bilingual options, click here.
What if I move?
Please update your address in the Parent Portal or contact us. If you move outside of Charles County, you may no longer qualify. Check availability in your new area. Please allow up to 30 days for updates to take effect.
Can I register a relative’s child?
No. Only a parent or legal guardian may register a child.
What if I have more than one eligible child?
Each eligible child must be registered separately. Every child will receive their own monthly book.
Can I cancel book deliveries?
Yes. You may opt out of the program at any time through the Parent Portal.
What if my child stops receiving books?
Please contact us to confirm your information is up to date.
What can I do with the books after we’ve read them?
We encourage families to read their favorites again and again. You may also share them with friends, family, or others in your community.
What if my child is not eligible?
If your child is too old or lives outside of Charles County, you can still enjoy reading resources at your local library. CCPL offers story times for ages birth to 5 and the 500 by Five early literacy program. Visit our events calendar to find our programming for all ages.
Is there a registration deadline?
No. Registration is open year-round, but only children 4 years and 11 months old or younger are eligible to enroll.
How do I get my login information?
If you provided an email address when registering your child, that email will be your username.
If you forgot your password, use the “Forgot Password” or “New Password” link on the login page to request a new one. If the reset link has expired or is no longer valid, you can request a new one at any time by visiting www.imaginationlibrary.com/bos.
If your child’s account does not have an email address on file, please contact your nearest CCPL branch for help.
Who pays for the books?
Funding comes from CCPL, grants, corporate sponsors, and generous donors like you.
Program Management
The Imagination Library of Charles County is managed by CCPL. The Dollywood Foundation handles national operations, including book selection and distribution.
Program History
Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1996 to support early literacy in her hometown. It now reaches families around the world.
In Charles County, the program was launched with leadership from CCPL Executive Director KennethWayne Thompson.
Since launching locally in 2020, the Imagination Library of Charles County has delivered over 100,000 free books to local children and families.
Why It Matters
Early reading helps children build language skills, develop imagination, and bond with caregivers. Research shows that receiving books in the mail encourages reading habits and increases the time families spend reading together.
Read the full report here.
Want to Support the Program?
Visit our Support CCPL page to help us continue providing books to local children at no cost to families.