STEP 1
Defining the Geographic Area

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a free gift that can be given to children residing in a predetermined geographic location such as postal codes, school catchment, town, or even an entire county. The first step to bringing this gift to your community’s children is to identify the area in which you want to offer the programme.

Remember:
• The eligibility criteria for the Imagination Library is defined only in terms of the child’s age and residence
• Please do not limit registration based on socioeconomics, risk factors, participation in certain programmes, parental factors or by any other means other than a child’s age and residence

STEP 2
Fundraising

The staff at The Dollywood Foundation can provide you with a 5 year projected budget for your community’s programme using a “cost projection template.”

The cost projection template calculates the average annual operating costs based on three key items:
1. the total number of eligible children in your community
2. the trends taken from other communities that have replicated the programme
3. the average cost of the books and postage

Once you have an idea of the average cost to sustain your programme, you will need to identify financial supporters for your programme.

Common financial supporters include:
• Local Businesses
• Civic Groups
• Local Governments
• Private Citizens
• Educational Foundations
• Churches
• Chambers of Commerce
• Schools

STEP 3
Identify a Local Champion

The local champion has 2 primary responsibilities:
1. To register children by publicizing the programme using the customized registration brochures, designed by The Dollywood Foundation, and other promotional materials
2. To input registration data into The Dollywood Foundation’s database system

Local champions are characteristically different across localities. In some communities a single group or individual takes on all of the coordinating responsibilities. In other communities, multiple groups and/or individuals divide up the responsibilities.

STEP 4
Complete Paperwork

There are 3 pieces of documentation that must be filed with The Dollywood Foundation before you can begin registering children with your programme. They are:
1. Memorandum of Agreement
2. Affiliate Information Sheet
3. Promotional Order Form

STEP 5
Order Registration Brochures

Registration brochures for each locality are customized by The Dollywood Foundation. Please contact your Dollywood Foundation representative for pricing.

Timeline for Registration Brochure Design & Delivery
1. Five (5) days after the brochure order has been placed, a proof will be sent for your approval.
2. Four (4) weeks from the time approval of the proof is given, the final product is delivered.*

* Please note the exact time may vary.
* If overnight shipping is required, total shipping costs will change to reflect those charges.
* Shipping and taxes are subject to change based on actual experience. This figure will be reviewed periodically and may require future adjustments.

STEP 6
Receive Operational Guide

You will be sent an operational guide which includes:
• Instructions for placing the monthly book order
• Suggestions for database and programme management
• FAQs and answers
• Other resource materials

STEP 7
Host Rollout Event

The rollout event is a time to publicize your programme, so be CREATIVE!

Common characteristics of a rollout event include:
• Involving local media
• Having children present
• Registering children on site
• Inviting local leaders
• Serving refreshments
• Having a prominent local official read a book from the Imagination Library to children at the event
• Hosting in conjunction with other popular community events such as festivals or school events

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© Copyright 2008 The Imagination Library - THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD ™ & © Penguin Group (USA) Inc. used by permission