In May, Imagination Library Denver (ILD), the local chapter of Dolly Parton’s well-known book distribution nonprofit, announced a suspension of book deliveries aimed at young children, attributing the pause to rising book costs, increased enrollment, and a significant loss of funding.
Since its inception in 2015, Imagination Library Denver has made it its mission to enhance early childhood literacy and tackle educational inequities by providing families with a complete “60-volume library” at no cost.
While the national organization negotiates discounted book prices and covers shipping, each local chapter must secure funding for the remainder of the costs, a challenge that has recently intensified for Denver’s chapter.
Anthony Hodes, interim director for Imagination Library Denver, explained that the cost per book surged from $2.20 to $2.60 at the beginning of the year.
“With approximately 8,300 families in Denver County enrolled, the monthly bill increased significantly due to this 40 percent hike in book prices,” Hodes noted.
The financial burden is substantial, amounting to nearly $3,000 more each month for book deliveries.
In addition to rising costs, the chapter faced a 22 percent increase in enrollment alongside an unexpected loss of funding.
Laura Douglas, director of program services for Imagination Library Colorado, revealed that three major family foundations withdrew their financial support, resulting in a hefty $55,000 deficit for the Denver chapter.
These funding organizations have shifted their focus towards strengthening infrastructure for early childhood education providers, which has significantly impacted Imagination Library Denver’s budget.
John Farnam, director of responsive grant making at the Buell Foundation, confirmed that their last donation of $21,000 given at the end of 2022 was the final support for the Denver chapter.
“This reallocation of funding reflects our priority on ensuring that the books provided are actually read and effectively foster reading engagement,” Farnam explained.
Faced with these mounting challenges, Imagination Library Denver has initiated a fundraiser with an ambitious target of $65,000 to resume book deliveries to families at no cost.
So far, the fundraiser has garnered nearly $22,000, which offers a glimmer of hope to Hodes and the team, as they aspire to restart deliveries in September.
“It’s important for people to realize that even a small donation, like $5, can make a significant difference.
Each $5 donation equates to two books. When matched by an additional $5 from the state, that totals four books,” stated Hodes.
The situation in Denver is not unique.
The Mesa County chapter of Imagination Library is also facing a funding crisis, resulting in a complete cessation of its program beginning July 1.
This decision comes just a few years after local United Way leaders celebrated the program’s expansion, highlighting the challenges faced and the need for sustainable funding.
Faith Rodriguez, executive director of United Way Mesa County, attributed the end of the program entirely to funding challenges.
“Ceasing the program resulted from funding constraints and our responsibility to maximize donor dollars,” Rodriguez explained.
The Mesa County chapter, which required $50,000 annually to run, found it difficult to justify these costs when weighed against the $200,000 budget United Way allocates to various other local nonprofits.
Rodriguez also shared that a significant portion of books sent to children in the area were undeliverable, with about 1,000 of the 5,000 books mailed each month not reaching their intended recipients due to families moving away.
“Given the federal cuts looming on the horizon, we must proceed with extreme caution,” she remarked.
In response, United Way Mesa County is pivoting towards launching an alternative book program on July 1.
Instead of mailing new books to every eligible child, this new initiative will provide access to used books through a network of book boxes spread throughout the county.
Rodriguez is collaborating closely with local schools and libraries to organize story times and distribute books, ensuring that resources reach children in various settings, including doctor’s offices and food banks.
She hopes that while this new program cannot replicate the national scale of Parton’s initiative, it can still significantly benefit the community by making books more readily accessible, especially in remote areas where traditional libraries may not be available.
Rodriguez emphasized the importance of finding a path forward, stating, “We are brainstorming new ideas to make sure we don’t just let the program die, as we genuinely care about putting books in the hands of children.”
Community reactions to the end of the Mesa County Imagination Library program have been largely muted, mainly surfacing in online parenting forums where parents have expressed sadness over the change.
Despite the challenges faced by Imagination Library programs in Colorado, evaluation efforts demonstrate the positive impact of the initiative.
In a satisfaction survey conducted in November 2024, parents reported significant improvements in their children’s reading readiness and family reading habits due to their participation in the program.
Specifically, 64 percent of parents noted they were reading more frequently with their children.
Moreover, a striking 31 percent identified Imagination Library as their primary source of books, while an impressive 95 percent agreed that the books contributed to their children’s preparedness for kindergarten.
Hodes elaborated, saying, “The program fosters family rituals around reading and cultivates relationships while also igniting the imagination.”
He emphasized the importance of supporting children in Denver, asserting that it is essential for every child to know how much they are valued and cared for.
Recognizing the significant role of Imagination Library, Governor Jared Polis praised the program, noting its importance in enabling young children and families to access crucial educational resources.
“Colorado takes pride in the impact that Imagination Library has across the state, and we are hopeful for its re-establishment in Mesa County. Every child deserves the opportunity to have books around them, and evidence shows that it positively influences their futures,” Polis stated.
image source from：denverite
