Dixie Stampede sponsors Imagination Library in Branson, MO, where more than 2,100 children are part of the book gifting program
Since becoming a sponsor of Dolly's Imagination Library, Dixie Stampede, in Branson, MO, has seen more than 2,100 children enroll in the program. Dixie Stampede brought the program to Stone and Taney Counties in Missouri in 2000. As of 2013, there were 2,151 children enrolled in the program and more than 27,000 books had been provided to children in those communities.
Imagination Library is a free book gifting program for all pre-school age children in participating communities, including newborns, whose parents register for the program. Each child receives a free, age-appropriate book each month by mail until the age of five. These high-quality books arrive addressed to the child. A child will receive a complete 60-book library if they are enrolled from birth to age five.
Dolly Parton launched her Imagination Library in 1995 in her home county in East Tennessee. She wanted to foster a love of reading among children and get them excited about books and reading. In 2000, the program expanded and became available for replication to any community willing to partner with the efforts. There are currently 36 programs in the state of Missouri.