Imagination Library Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Imagination Library?

Imagination Library is a book program in which participating children receive one free, age-appropriate book through the mail each month, until they turn five. All children from birth through age four residing in Racine County are eligible to participate. After registering, the first book, The Little Engine That Could, will take about 90 days to arrive in the mail.

Who is eligible to participate?

All children from birth through age four residing in Racine County are eligible to participate. Because it takes approximately 90 days before the first book arrives, children turning five within three months will not receive a book. You may not sign up a child without a birth date. There is no income requirement to participate in Imagination Library.

Is the program really free?

There is no cost to families to participate in Imagination Library. Funding from United Way of Racine County as well as generous contributions from local sponsors, provide books at not cost to our community's families.

Program Information
How do I sign up?

Online registration is available here.

Can I enroll multiple children?

Yes, if there are multiple children under five in a household, each child is eligible to enroll. The Dollywood Foundation switches out 18-20 books each year to ensure children in the same family won’t always get the same books at the same age. Please note that twins and multiples will receive the same book selection.

How long will it take to get a book?

It will take approximately 90 days before the first book arrives. Books will then continue to be mailed once a month until the child’s fifth birthday.

What type of books will be mailed?

The first book the child will receive is always The Little Engine that Could, and the final book received is always Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come. Children will be mailed age-appropriate books in between. All books are printed through Penguin Publishing, and reading tips are provided on a flap on the back of each softcover book.

Why did one of my children receive their book this month while the other did not?

Books are shipped at different times of the month based on age.

What is a parent account?

If you provided an email address during registration, a parent account is automatically created for you. Once your child is approved and active in the program, parent account information, including your username and password, is emailed to you. Your username is always your email address. With your parent account, you can do things such as check your child's enrollment status, edit your address and view a list of the titles mailed each month.

Why is my child's status listed as "pending"?

Registrations received online will be placed into a pending area until the program coordinator reviews their information. Once the registration is approved, the child becomes active in the program, and the parent will receive an email. The accounts of children that have recently moved are flagged and also moved into a pending area until their address is updated. Please note that a child's status may only remain in the pending area for up to 60 days before being permanently removed from the system. It is important to contact United Way (262-898-2240 or unitedway@unitedwayracine.org) if there is a change of address or to update it via your parent account.

I am moving. How do I change my address?

Filling out a change of address form at the post office will not change your address with Imagination Library, and books will not be forwarded to you. If you move to another location within Racine County while your child(ren) are under age five, they are eligible to continue participating in Imagination Library, but you must update their address. To do so, either log into your Imagination Library parent account, or contact United Way at 262-898-2240 or unitedway@unitedwayracine.org. You will need to provide the following information: child first and last name, previous address, and new address. If leaving a voicemail, please spell the child's name.

I don't have eligible children, but can I still be involved?

There are many ways to help promote our Imagination Library program and share the love of reading. Advocate. Share our Facebook posts and the registration link with friends and family who may be interested in enrolling their children. Give. Help provide books to local children by supporting United Way of Racine County. A donation of $30 will provide one year of Imagination Library books to a child. www.unitedwayracine.org/give

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