Early Literacy
Every child deserves a home library.
Literacy changes everything. When a child learns to read, they gain the power to imagine, to question, and to build a future on their own terms. That’s why DEF is all in on early literacy—starting with the youngest learners in Davis County.
Our Commitment
Why Early Literacy Matters
Reading is the single most important skill a child can develop. Research consistently shows that children who are read to at home develop stronger vocabularies, greater comprehension, and deeper curiosity about the world. But it goes even deeper than that—early literacy shapes confidence, self-expression, and a child’s belief in what’s possible.
Too many children arrive at kindergarten without ever owning a book of their own. That’s not a reflection of their families’ values—it’s an access problem. And it’s one the Davis Education Foundation is determined to help solve.
We believe that a child’s zip code, family income, or circumstances should never determine whether they grow up loving books. Every child in Davis County deserves the chance to hold a brand-new book in their hands, curl up with a parent or caregiver, and discover the magic of a story.
What This Program Does
Through our partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, enrolled children receive a brand-new, age-appropriate book mailed directly to their home every single month—from birth until age five. That’s up to 60 books before a child ever walks into a classroom.
These aren’t just any books. Each title is carefully selected by a panel of early childhood literacy experts to spark imagination, develop language skills, and create meaningful moments between children and the adults who love them. The books arrive addressed to the child—because there is something powerful about a little one getting mail with their own name on it.
The Process
How It Works
Children Are Enrolled
Families enroll their children through our launch partners, starting with Head Start. Enrollment is simple and free.
Books Arrive Monthly
A brand-new, age-appropriate book is mailed directly to the child’s home every month—addressed to them by name.
Home Libraries Grow
Over time, children build a personal library of up to 60 books—creating a powerful foundation for kindergarten readiness and a lifelong love of reading.
The Program Expands
As community support grows, we expand enrollment to reach more families across Davis County—because every child deserves this opportunity.
Looking Ahead
Growing Beyond Head Start
Right now, our Imagination Library program serves children enrolled in Head Start. But our vision is much bigger. We want every child in Davis County to have access to this program—regardless of where they go to school or which programs their family participates in.
Phase 1: Head Start
We launched with Head Start families—children who benefit most from having books in the home. This is our foundation.
Phase 2: Expand Enrollment
As funding grows, we’ll open the program to additional families—connecting more children to their first home library.
Phase 3: Countywide Access
Our ultimate goal: every child in Davis County has the opportunity to receive free books at home from birth to age five.
Expanding this program takes community support. Monthly giving is the fastest, most responsible way to help us reach more families and put more books into more homes.
Make It MonthlyYour Impact
Why Your Gift Matters
Every dollar designated to Early Literacy goes directly toward putting books into children’s hands. It costs approximately $25 per year to provide one child with a full year of monthly books through the Imagination Library. That’s roughly the cost of a single hardcover picture book at a bookstore—but through this program, it delivers twelve.
Monthly giving is especially powerful because it allows us to plan ahead, expand enrollment responsibly, and commit to serving more families with confidence. When you give monthly, you’re not just donating—you’re building infrastructure for literacy across Davis County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Right now, enrollment is available through our Head Start partners. As community support grows, we plan to expand enrollment to additional families across Davis County.
Absolutely—that is the goal. We hope to expand this program to reach all families in Davis County who want to participate. Growth depends on community funding and support.
Books are chosen by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library team, with input from early childhood literacy experts. Each title is age-appropriate, engaging, and designed to support healthy development at every stage.
It costs approximately $25 per year to provide one child with monthly books. A monthly gift of just a few dollars can sponsor a child’s books for an entire year—and help expand the program to more families.
No. The program is completely free for enrolled families. Books are mailed directly to the child’s home at no cost, funded entirely by community donations.
