Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library now offering free books to Middletown kids

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (WTNH) — Eligible Middletown kids have the chance to get free books mailed to them every month, thanks to the Russell Library’s new partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library announced on Thursday.

Families living in zip codes 06457 and 06459 will be able to register infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to have an age-appropriate book mailed to them every month until they reach 5-years-old.

Russell Library Director Ramona Burkey said this program will be “huge” for local kids.

“Studies have shown that regardless of a child’s family income, their parents’ education, or other factors, a major indicator of success later in life is the number of books in the child’s home during their formative years,” Burkey said.

Middletown is the fourth town in Connecticut to participate in the Imagination Library, behind Stratford, Hartford, and New Britain.

Funding for the program comes from the American Rescue Plan Act, approved by the City of Middletown’s ARPA Task Force.

That funding will only last through 2026, but library officials said local partners like the Middletown Rotary Club have expressed interest in making the program sustainable long-term.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library started in 1995 and has gifted over 200 million free books in the United States, Australia, Canada, The Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

It currently mails more than 2.4 million books each month to registered children.

To register your child, visit the Russell Library’s website or visit the library in person, at 123 Broad Street.

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