Editorial Gold

Monterey Bay Parent

Design Gold
 Read The Current Issue
MenuClose
Monterey Bay Parent » reading

Give Like Dolly Day: Help Monterey County Kids Get Books in the Mail

By |

Sept. 25 is a day to enroll a child, donate, and spread the word about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which is already reaching more than 3,800 local children.

If your kids race to the mailbox once a month, you may already know what this is about. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library launched in Monterey County this past June, and just three months later, more than 15% of the county’s children under 5 are enrolled. The program’s goal is to reach 20% countywide in its first year.

This Friday, September 25 (9-2-5, a nod to Dolly’s hit “9 to 5”), The Dollywood Foundation is marking the first-ever Give Like Dolly Day, a global day of support for local Imagination Library programs. California has also designated September 25 as annual Dolly Parton Day through Senate Bill 931, authored by State Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) and Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield).

What is the Imagination Library?

Every child enrolled in the program receives a free, brand-new, age-appropriate book in the mail each month from birth until their fifth birthday. There is no cost to families, regardless of income.

Locally, families can choose books in English or bilingual English and Spanish. “We are incredibly proud that we can offer culturally appropriate books in English or bilingually in English and Spanish to EVERY child in our county,” said Francine Rodd, Executive Director of First 5 Monterey County. “And we would love for everyone to spread the word to help us reach 100 percent of the children and to donate, if they can, to keep the program going.”

The local program is a collaboration between First 5 Monterey County, Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Development Initiative, and Bright Futures Education Partnership, with seed funding from Taylor Farms. That funding covers the wholesale cost of the books, mailing, outreach, and local program operations.

A Monterey County dad’s view

Tony Amezcua, Director of Bright Futures Education Partnership, is also a parent of enrolled children. “Every month, my kids run to the mailbox waiting for their book. It is a family affair,” he said. “We read with our children and my 9-year-old son loves reading the books to his two sisters. It’s become part of our routine, and I know families across Monterey County are having that same experience right now.”

Sonja Kohler, Director of Bright Beginnings, emphasized the long-term payoff: “Literacy begins before a child enters a classroom. This partnership makes a difference with long-term impact in the lives of children and their families… It is also building stronger partnerships in our community to create a stronger community of care.”

How to Give Like Dolly on September 25

Enroll. If you have a child under 5 who isn’t signed up yet, enroll them today. You can also help a neighbor, relative, or a family you work with sign up. Visit first5monterey.org/imaginationlibrary.

Give. Donations to the local program help more Monterey County children receive books. A dedicated fund is set up at the Community Foundation of Monterey County: give.cfmco.org/campaign/812237/donate.

Share. Tell others how you give and encourage them to support children in their own communities, using #GiveLikeDolly.

“For Dolly, giving was always personal and from her heart,” said Jeff Conyers, President of The Dollywood Foundation. “Give Like Dolly Day is an opportunity for people everywhere to not only support their local Imagination Library Partners but also other local nonprofits helping children.”

About the Imagination Library

Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995 in her hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee, inspired by her father’s inability to read and write. It has since become the world’s leading early childhood book-gifting program, with more than 300 million free books gifted across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and Ireland. Today it mails over 3 million books a month, and research has consistently linked it to positive effects on early childhood development, kindergarten readiness, and family reading habits.

About First 5 Monterey County

First 5 Monterey County is an independent public agency created in 1999 after voters passed Proposition 10, which dedicated tobacco tax revenue to early childhood development. It serves children from before birth through age 5 and administers the Imagination Library locally, handling enrollment, fundraising, book delivery, and support for participating families.

Media contact: Rebeca Zuniga, Communications and Outreach Coordinator, First 5 Monterey County, Rebeca@first5monterey.org, 831-264-3328 (call/text)

Books About America for Every Age

By |

Recommended Books

Little Readers (PreK–K)
  • A is for America – Devin Scillian
Early Readers (Grades 1–3)
  • If You Lived at the Time of the American Revolution – Kay Moore
Elementary (Grades 3–5)
  • Who Was Sacagawea? – Judith Bloom Fradin
  • What Was Ellis Island? – Patricia Brennan Demuth
Middle Grade (Grades 5–8)
  • Undefeated – Steve Sheinkin
  • Stamped (For Kids) – Cherry-Paul, Reynolds & Kendi
For the Whole Family
  • National Geographic Kids United States Atlas

Military children experience America in a unique way. Many grow up moving between states, exploring new communities, and meeting people from every corner of the country. They may see more of the United States before graduating high school than many adults see in a lifetime. While frequent moves can be challenging, they also offer a remarkable opportunity to learn about the nation they call home.

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, books can help children connect the places they have lived with the larger story of our country.

For Younger Readers

Picture books can introduce foundational ideas about American history and geography. A is for America by Devin Scillian takes children on an alphabetical journey through the people, landmarks, and symbols that help define the nation. Families can also enjoy If You Lived at the Time of the American Revolution by Kay Moore, which answers common questions children have about life during America’s founding years.

For Elementary-Age Readers

Elementary-aged readers are often eager to learn about the people who helped shape the country. Who Was Sacagawea? by Judith Bloom Fradin introduces readers to one of the most important figures of westward exploration while highlighting the contributions of Native peoples. What Was Ellis Island? by Patricia Brennan Demuth helps children understand the immigration experiences that brought millions of families to America and shaped the nation’s identity.

For Older Readers

Books can explore the challenges and triumphs that continue to influence American life. Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team by Steve Sheinkin tells the story of one of America’s greatest athletes while examining Native American history and resilience. Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You by Sonja Cherry-Paul, Jason Reynolds, and Ibram X. Kendi provides an accessible look at the history of race in America and encourages thoughtful discussion about the nation’s ongoing journey toward equality.

A Resource for the Whole Family

Families looking for a resource they can return to again and again may enjoy the National Geographic Kids United States Atlas. Filled with maps, facts, and photographs, it helps children connect places they have visited with the broader story of the country.

Military families can also connect books to the places they have lived. Here in Monterey County, Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson documented California during a period of rapid change in the late nineteenth century. Later, writers such as John Steinbeck captured the hopes and struggles of ordinary Americans on the Central Coast.

One of the greatest gifts military families can give their children is an understanding that America is bigger than any one town, state, or duty station. Through books, children can explore the nation’s history, geography, cultures, and people while developing a deeper appreciation for the country they serve alongside their families. Every PCS move tells part of the American story. Reading helps connect those experiences to a larger picture.

Keep Them Reading This Summer

By |

Summer is the perfect time to curl up with a good book — and there’s no shortage of ways to make it fun and rewarding. Local libraries across the area are kicking off their summer reading programs, and national programs sweeten the deal with free books, pizza, T-shirts, and more. Whether your child is a reluctant reader or a total bookworm, there’s something here for every age and reading level.

BARNES & NOBLE: Barnes & Noble’s annual Summer Reading Program invites children in grades 1 through 6 to earn a free book by reading eight books of their choice. Participants record their reading in a downloadable journal, noting their favorite part of each book. Once completed, the journal can be brought to any Barnes & Noble store between July 1 and August 31, 2026, to select a free book from a curated list. The closest store to our area is in Gilroy.

FOR MORE INFO: barnesandnoble.com/b/summer-reading-free-book-giveaway

BOOKSHOP SANTA CRUZ: Children in K–12th grade are challenged to read six books — at least three from the store’s recommended reading list. Complete the challenge and kids can earn excellent rewards, including a $5 Bookshop gift card, a $10 MyBoardwalk Card from The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a free scoop from the Penny Ice Creamery, a free slice from Pizza My Heart, and a special prize from the Santa Cruz Warriors. 

FOR MORE INFO: bookshopsantacruz.com/summer-reading-program

MENSA FOUNDATION EXCELLENCE IN READING: The Mensa Foundation’s Excellence in Reading Program is open to all readers under 18 — no Mensa membership or testing required. Kids choose a reading list matched to their grade level, curated by librarians and drawn from classic and quality literature, then read every book on the list and track their progress by hand on a printed form. Once complete, both the child and an adult sign and mail the form to the Mensa Foundation. Readers who finish earn a commemorative certificate and a free Excellence in Reading T-shirt. The program is year-round with no deadline, so kids can start and finish at their own pace.

FOR MORE INFO: mensaforkids.org/achieve/excellence-in-reading

PIZZA HUT’S BOOK IT! SUMMER OF STORIES: Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT! Summer of Stories program for children in pre-K through sixth grade runs June 1 through August 31. Parents set monthly reading goals for their children through the free BOOK IT! mobile app. When children meet their goals each month, they earn a digital certificate for a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza from participating locations — up to one pizza per child per month.  

FOR MORE INFO: bookitprogram.com

SCHOLASTIC SUMMER READING: Scholastic’s Summer Reading challenge runs April 26 through September 3, and offers a free, digital “Read-a-Palooza” program on Scholastic Home Base where kids can track reading streaks, earn rewards, and help unlock 100,000 book donations for peers. Home Base is safe and fully moderated 24/7. No subscriptions, downloads, or purchases required.

FOR MORE INFO: scholastic.com/summer

Monterey County Free Libraries Summer Programs

By |

Monterey County Free Libraries is once again presenting their popular Summer Reading Club. The fun runs from June 1 through July 31, complete with prizes and performances.

People of all ages — children, teens, and adults — are encouraged to sign up, read throughout the summer, and participate in activities. Sign up at your local MCFL branch to receive a reading log or challenge card, or visit emcfl.beanstack.com/reader365 to participate online.

Everyone who signs up will receive a free book, with titles available for all ages, in Spanish, and in large print. Once you have completed your reading log or challenge card, return to your local MCFL branch to collect your finisher prize. 

MCFL will be hosting a variety of free performances for youth and families this summer. Visit www.eMCFL.org to find program dates at your local branch. This year’s performers include Sterling Bubblesmith, Jungle James, Rhythm Builders, Magician Mike Della Penna, and Puppet Art Theater.

Workshops for teens and adults will also be offered at select branches. These workshops are open to ages 13 and up, require registration, and all supplies will be provided. Workshop topics include paint parties, collaging, watercolor selfies, architectural model design, tie-dye, and lawn games.

MCFL also offers Lunch at the Library at the majority of its branches. Youth 18 and under are invited to stop by for a free grab-and-go meal. For lunch service dates and times at your local branch, check the website.

The Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries and Chevron, whose support makes this program and many others throughout the year possible.

Sign up today, pick up your free book, and enjoy the summer!

For all things Summer Reading, visit www.eMCFL.org and click the Summer Reading button, where you can check program dates and download a reading log or bingo card.

Parenting OC