Grand Junction Imagination Library was founded in 2008 with the goal of making the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program available to children in Grand Junction, CO. After seeing the importance of books in the lives of their own children, Co-Founders Kristi Widdows Calfee and Tricia Widdows Schuster wanted to bring the program to their hometown.

At GJIL, we believe that ALL children deserve access to books at a young age. The research is there to support that this simple gift can change a child’s life. Having access to age appropriate books in their home inspires a love of reading. It prepares children for school, providing a foundation for learning. And it creates an opportunity for young children to bond with their parent.

GJIL is a 501c3, local non-profit. It is run entirely by volunteers with no paid staff. In fact, all administrative costs are paid through generous in-kind donations, which make it possible for ALL monetary donations to purchase books for local children.