Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Grand Traverse Region - GTR

06/03/2026

June is here! Is your child looking forward to receiving their next book in the mail? (📸: Jennifer N.)

05/18/2026

Grandmas.. this is a great book!

Join the laughter and love as a precocious child shares heartwarming tips for making grandma feel at home in this charming book by Jennifer Mook-Sang, with illustrations by Yong Ling Kang.

05/11/2026

05/04/2026

Every day, families, educators, caregivers, and community partners are shaping the earliest experiences of children across our region.

To spark conversation and action, the Great Start Collaborative invites you to a free screening of No Small Matter at Elk Rapids Cinema on Thursday, May 7. Doors open at 5:30 PM, with an introduction by Full Tilt Comedy Improv, and the film begins at 6:15 PM.

This film reminds us that early childhood is connected to school readiness, family well-being, workforce stability, and the long-term health of our communities. We hope parents, educators, community leaders, and partners will join us as we explore how to strengthen local support for our youngest neighbors and their families.

04/29/2026

Do you have or know children under 5 who live in the Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Antrim, or Kalkaska county? Sign them up today! (They must actually live in these areas)

Check the availability of in your area and register your child today! Free to children ages 0-5 through funding shared by Dolly Parton and our incredible local community partners. https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/

04/16/2026

🎨 It’s Artsy Thursday! 🎨

Creativity sparks imagination and self-expression. Break out the crayons, paint, or recycled materials and let your child’s creativity shine!

🖌️ Idea: Create a masterpiece using items from around the house.

📸 We’d love to see it—share your child’s artwork in the comments!

04/16/2026

Be like Fred!

The 55th anniversary of the Week of the Young Child is here! While supporting and celebrating young children is something we value all year long, this week offers a special opportunity to recognize their importance, along with the teachers, families, and communities who care for them every day. We hope during this week, and every week, you will “think of the children first.”

As we kick off the week with Music Monday, we celebrate how music helps children stay active, build early literacy skills, and connect with others through play and creativity.

via Fred Rogers Institute

04/15/2026

🤝 Happy Work Together Wednesday! 🤝

Teamwork teaches children communication and problem-solving skills. Today, work together on a small project—cleaning up toys, building a fort, or completing a puzzle.

🧩 Challenge: Pick one activity and complete it as a team!

💬 Tell us: What did your family accomplish together today?

04/14/2026

🍎 Tasty Tuesday is here! 🍎

Cooking together builds math, science, and life skills. Invite your child into the kitchen today and let them help mix, measure, or taste-test!

👩‍🍳 Try this: Make a simple snack like fruit parfaits or sandwiches together.

📸 Show us: What did you and your little chef create today?

Here's an idea!