At Walnut Capital, we believe home is more than just four walls - it’s where families grow, memories are made, and dreams take shape. One of the greatest gifts a parent can give their child is a love of reading, and we’re excited to share an incredible resource now available to many of our Walnut Capital families: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, hosted locally by Reading Ready Pittsburgh.

This no-cost program puts brand-new, age-appropriate books into the hands of young children delivered right to your mailbox each month. Whether you’re raising a toddler in Shadyside, enjoying townhouse life in Ross, or living in a high-rise downtown, this program is designed to make storytime accessible and joyful for every family.

The Joy and Benefits of Books in Childhood

Ask any parent who has spent an evening reading a favorite bedtime story: books open doors to imagination, curiosity, and comfort. From building early language skills to sparking creativity, books give children the tools they need to thrive in school and beyond. Studies consistently show that children exposed to reading at an early age develop stronger vocabulary, perform better academically, and form deeper emotional bonds with their caregivers.

For renters, where space may be limited and schedules can be hectic, having books arrive automatically each month removes barriers. There’s no need to find time for trips to the library or store. Your child gets their very own library, one story at a time.

What the Program Is

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, run in Allegheny County through Reading Ready Pittsburgh, mails one brand-new, high-quality book every month to children from birth through age five. Here's what you need to know:

• One free book per child, per month mailed directly to your home.
• Children 5 or younger are eligible
• By the time a child completes the program, they can have up to 60 books to call their own.

This program is more than just reading - it's providing your child with the potential for a lifelong love of reading!

Who Can Enroll (Eligible Areas & Properties)

Not every ZIP code is covered, but many of our communities fall within the eligible zones. Families living at the following Walnut Capital properties may qualify:

• Walnut Crossings (Monroeville)
• Hot Metal Flats (South Side Works)
• Walnut on Highland (East Liberty/Highland Park)
• Bakery Living Blue & Orange (Bakery Square)
• Highland Village Townhomes (Ross Township)
• The Commonwealth Building (Downtown Pittsburgh)
• Walnut Towers at Frick Park (Squirrel Hill/Regent Square)

If you’re unsure whether your ZIP code is included, you can quickly check through the Reading Ready Pittsburgh website here.

How to Enroll

Enrolling in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is simple and takes only a few minutes.

1. Visit the registration page: Reading Ready Pittsburgh Enrollment
2. Fill in your child's details: Full name and birthdate.
3. Provide your mailing address: This ensures books are shipped right to your door
4. Submit and confirm: You'll receive a confimation message once your application is complete.

That’s it! Your child is on their way to receiving their very first book!

What Families Need to Know

At Walnut Capital, some utilities are included, but others are your responsibility. Be sure to confirm what’s covered at your specific property. Common setups include:

• Timing & Waiting Period: It may take 6–8 weeks after registration for the first book to arrive. After that, books arrive monthly.
• Multiple Children: Each child under age five in your household can be registered separately, meaning siblings can all participate.
• Moving or Changing Address: Families who move need to update their mailing information through Reading Ready Pittsburgh to ensure delivery continues.

These simple steps help ensure your child never misses a story.

Why This Matters

For many families, especially those living in rental communities, building a home library can feel like a luxury. Between balancing work, commuting, and parenting, it’s easy for reading time to slip down the priority list. Programs like the Imagination Library level the playing field by delivering books directly, removing the barriers of cost and access.

The impact goes beyond the child; it fosters community. Imagine kids at Walnut Crossings comparing favorite characters, or neighbors at Bakery Living exchanging storytime tips. Over the years, these little moments grow into big benefits for the entire community.

Building a Home Library, One Book at a Time

There's something magical about watching a child's bookshelf grow, month by month. At first, it might be just a handful of picture books. But over five years, those titles stack up to a collection of 60 books, each chosen by experts to fit your child's age and stage of development.

This isn't just about having books; it's about creating a ritual. A new book arrives in the mailbox, and suddenly it's family time. Your child knows they'll have something new to read, explore, and cherish. That joy stays with them long after they've turned the final page.

Share the Good News

Even if you don't have children in the eligible age range, we encourage you to share this opportunity with friends, neighbors, or relatives. Families outside Walnut Capital communities but within the eligible ZIP codes can also benefit. The more children who receive books, the stronger our neighborhoods become.

Final Thoughts

Raising children is both a challenge and a joy. Programs like the Imagination Library remind us that little things - like reading a bedtime story - can make the biggest difference. By signing up, families across Walnut Capital properties can bring the joy of books into their homes and give their children a foundation for success.

So, grab a spot on the couch, open a book, and let the stories begin.

Enroll your child today through Reading Ready Pittsburgh