ST. LOUIS — Enrollment to receive free books for their children began Wednesday, Nov. 8, as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library launched statewide by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

As of Wednesday afternoon, registration to enroll was down due to an "unprecedented demand" on the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library's website. The registration site says parents can sign up to get notified when enrollment resumes. 

Parents can register online and will receive age-appropriate books for their children from birth to age five. The books will be mailed to their homes for free, according to an online press release. 

Families who sign up in November 2023 will get their first book in January 2024.

DESE was appropriated $11 million from the state's Fiscal Year 2024 budget to establish the Imagination Library and fund the state’s portion of the books and mailing expenses, according to the press release.

“Missouri is the 14th state to commit to a statewide program, and the first to launch the program with full funding and statewide eligibility on day one,” the press release states.

“The implementation of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in other states has shown increased childhood literacy rates, fostered a love of books, and promoted a culture of reading before entering kindergarten, which are important skills and behaviors for school readiness.”

Before the statewide funding, local school districts were funding the program. Now, there will be no cost to school districts.

Children who are already registered through an existing local program do not need to register again, according to the press release.

To register, click here. For more information about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, click here.