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Spring Into Reading With Imagination Library

Published March 28, 2023 / Last Updated April 3, 2023
Team Dolly
Team Dolly
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly
Latest posts by Team Dolly (see all)

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Plants Seeds of Literacy This Spring

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library celebrates major achievements while providing blossoming young minds a colorful selection of spring books!

Dolly’s childhood literacy program now gifts over 2 MILLION books each month, with 1 in 10 children under the age of five in the United States receiving an Imagination Library book in the mail each month! As of March 2023, the Imagination Library has gifted over 204 million books to children across the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia and the Republic of Ireland. As we enter into spring, the Imagination Library continues to inspire more children around the world to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More!

Celebrating Over 200 Million Books

Thanks to our incredible local program partners who are dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books to children, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has seen significant growth, expanding into more communities around the world every single month. In just the past year, Dolly’s book gifting program celebrated the achievement of full statewide coverage in Delaware, Arkansas, Ohio and West Virginia, and announced plans to expand statewide in California, Oklahoma and Washington in the United States and province-wide in Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada.

As of March, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library surpassed the 200 million book milestone, celebrating the arrival of spring with over 204 million total books gifted since the program’s inception.

Books for Budding Readers

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and learning by gifting books to families, free of charge, via funding shared by Dolly and local community partnerships. Spring is a wonderful time of year to let your child’s reading skills bloom by joining them and opening a good book together! Here are a few of the specially selected, age-appropriate books going out to registered children this spring.

 

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library – In Our GardenIn Our Garden

Written by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Melissa Crowton, this uplifting story incorporates themes of persistence, patience and community as students come together to create a vegetable garden.

 

 

Anne's ColorsAnne’s Colors

Iconic moments from the beloved Anne of Green Gables stories are recreated in this adorable concept book with colorful illustrations by Kelly Hill.

 

 

2022-Where is the Very Hungry CaterpillarWhere is the Very Hungry Caterpillar?

Find out where everyone’s favorite caterpillar is hiding in this lift-the-flap book that lets little readers join in the fun as they search for this beloved character by Eric Carle.

 

 

New to the Imagination Library?

Check availability in your area to register a child, sign up to receive a notification when the Imagination Library becomes available to you or learn more about how to Start A Program in your area.

Team DollySpring Into Reading With Imagination Library
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Imagination Library Inspires a Spirit of Giving

Published November 14, 2022 / Last Updated February 9, 2023
Team Dolly
Team Dolly
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly
Latest posts by Team Dolly (see all)

Embrace the Season of Giving With Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library welcomes the holiday season by celebrating major achievements in literacy, while cherishing the gift of quality time with family.

As of November 2022, Dolly’s childhood literacy program has gifted over 195 million books to children across the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia and the Republic of Ireland. As we enter into the holidays, the Imagination Library continues to embrace the spirit of the season by gifting more books to more children around the world and inspiring us all to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More!

Dolly is Awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy

During an awards ceremony in New York City on October 13, 2022, Dolly accepted the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in recognition of her many philanthropic efforts, including her investments in alleviating poverty, strengthening early college access, advancing medical research (including pediatric infectious diseases and the development of a COVID-19 vaccine), and perhaps most notably, for strengthening childhood education through the distribution of free books worldwide by her Imagination Library.

Gifting More Books to More Children

Dolly’s dream has always been to inspire a love of reading among preschool children and their families by providing them with the gift of a specially selected book each month. What started in 1995 in Dolly’s hometown of Sevier County, TN, has now grown into an international program. While Dolly and the Dollywood Foundation cover many overhead costs and administration needs, the Imagination Library is made possible through funding shared by Dolly Parton and local community partners. So, when the program becomes available to children in new areas, it’s an accomplishment worth celebrating!

California Announces Statewide Expansion

California Senator Shannon Grove and Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins recently joined Dolly Parton to announce that Senate Bill 1183 — bipartisan legislation in partnership with The Dollywood Foundation to establish the Imagination Library of California Statewide Program — has been signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, paving the way for the program to launch statewide mid-2023. The Imagination Library of California statewide program will work with local partners in each county to mail free, age-appropriate books directly to California’s early readers every month, from birth until age five.

Currently, one percent of California children ages 0-5 are enrolled in existing local Imagination Library programs, which continue to see rising interest and success, especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities where libraries are more difficult to access. SB 1183 creates a statewide program that will reach all 58 counties, opening up eligibility to 2.4 million children in California. Visit imaginationlibrary.com to learn more and check availability as the program expands across the state!

 

Cherish The Gift of Quality Family Time

The holidays are special for many reasons, but perhaps the most special of all is the quality time spent with family. It’s a wonderful time of year to cozy up with your child and read a good book together! Here are a few of the specially selected, age-appropriate books going out to registered children this season.

 

DPIL Shh Bears Sleeping

“Shh! Bears Sleeping” by David Martin, Illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher.

Gentle rhymes and beautiful illustrations take you through the changing seasons, as seen through the eyes of a black bear and her cubs.

 

 

DPIL Snow Falls“Snow Falls” by by Kate Gardner, Illustrated by Brandon James Scott

This easy-to-read picture book introduces your child to the magic, fun and beauty of snow!

 

 

DPIL The Snowman“The Snowman” by Raymond Briggs

One winter’s night, a snowman comes to life and an unforgettable adventure begins in Raymond Briggs’ timeless classic.

 
 
 

Show Your Thanks by Giving

Join in the spirit of the season and share the gift of literacy with families in your community by donating to your local Imagination Library!  A donation as small as $25 covers the cost of providing an Imagination Library book to a child each month for 1 year!

New to the Imagination Library?

Check availability in your area to register a child, sign up to receive a notification when the Imagination Library becomes available to you or learn more about how to Start A Program in your area.

Team DollyImagination Library Inspires a Spirit of Giving
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Fall Into Autumn with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Published September 20, 2022 / Last Updated February 9, 2023
Team Dolly
Team Dolly
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly
Latest posts by Team Dolly (see all)

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Inspires a Love of Reading This Fall

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library ushers in autumn by celebrating major achievements in literacy, while encouraging good reading habits with a colorful selection of fall books!

As of September 2022, Dolly’s childhood literacy program has gifted over 190 million books to children across the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia and the Republic of Ireland. As we enter into fall, the Imagination Library continues to inspire more children around the world to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More!

Celebrating Statewide Successes

On August 9, Dolly visited statewide celebrations of her Imagination Library in Ohio and West Virginia. Capping each appearance with a special musical performance, Dolly wanted to personally congratulate these states on their significant achievements of full statewide coverage, which gives every child under age five in each state the opportunity to enroll in her Imagination Library. The events were broadcast live on YouTube and Facebook, and you can view Dolly’s appearances at the celebrations by watching the replays, now available to stream online.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art Honors Imagination Library

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been chosen as the recipient of this year’s Carle Honors Angel by the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. The 2022 Carle Honors will be awarded at a special benefit gala on Thursday, September 29 in New York City, recognizing individuals and organizations whose creative vision and long-term dedication have had a profound effect on picture books and the vital role they play in arts appreciation and early literacy.

Fall in Love With Reading

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and learning by gifting books to families through funding shared by Dolly and local community partnerships. Fall is a wonderful time of year to cozy up with your child and read a good book together! Here are a few of the specially selected, age-appropriate books going out to registered children this fall.

 

Goldilocks - Imagination Library Fall BooksGoldilocks and the Three Bears

The classic tale of Goldilocks comes to life in this enchanting edition, filled with lavish illustrations by Jan Brett.

 

 

Counting with Barefoot Critters - Imagination Library Fall BooksCounting with Barefoot Critters

Join a cast of adorable animal characters as they explore numbers and counting in this charming book by Teagan White.

 

 

Lion vs Rabbit - Imagination Library Fall BooksLion vs Rabbit

This hilarious story by Alex Latimer shows that when it comes to outwitting a bully, someone small can truly be more powerful than someone big.

 

 

New to the Imagination Library?

Check availability in your area to register a child, sign up to receive a notification when the Imagination Library becomes available to you or learn more about how to Start A Program in your area.

Team DollyFall Into Autumn with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Dolly Parton Celebrates the Success of the Imagination Library in Ohio and West Virginia with Two Livestream Broadcasts on Aug. 9

Published August 9, 2022 / Last Updated February 9, 2023
Team Dolly
Team Dolly
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly
Latest posts by Team Dolly (see all)

Watch as Dolly performs live during visits to Imagination Library statewide celebrations in Ohio and West Virginia, streaming August 9.

On Tuesday, August 9, Dolly Parton will be traveling the country to visit statewide celebrations of her Imagination Library in Ohio and West Virginia! Join Dolly for two livestream broadcasts as Ohio and West Virginia celebrate full statewide coverage of her Imagination Library and the eligibility of every child under five to enroll!

As the world’s preeminent early childhood book-gifting program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five in partnership with local community affiliates.  Children whose parents enroll them in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library receive one new book in the mail each month, at no cost, from birth through age five. Over the course of enrollment, a personal library of as many as 60 books is created, helping form the foundation of a child’s early reading experience.

Ohio Statewide Celebration at 12 PM EST

At 12:00 p.m. EST, tune in to watch Dolly as she joins Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine for a special conversation and brief musical performance to celebrate the success of the Imagination Library in Ohio. The special livestream broadcast will be available to watch simultaneously here on dollyparton.com, livestream.com and the Imagination Library Facebook page.

“It is an incredible honor to host Dolly Parton, and celebrate the success of her book gifting program here in Ohio,” said First Lady Fran DeWine. “Ohio’s Imagination Library is thriving, and we are truly blessed to have so many supporters of the program in every community across our great state. These books are changing the lives of so many children, and preparing them for kindergarten—and life!”

The Imagination Library program was brought statewide to Ohio in 2019, under the guidance of First Lady DeWine. Today, 350,566 children are enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, which means 49% of eligible children between birth to age five years old are enrolled in the program.

West Virginia Statewide Celebration at 5:30PM ET

At 5:30 p.m. ET, tune in to watch Dolly as she joins West Virginia Governor Jim Justice for a sit-down interview and musical performance to celebrate the statewide expansion of West Virginia’s Imagination Library. The special livestream broadcast will be available to watch simultaneously on West Virginia Public Broadcasting television stations and social media channels, YouTube, as well as dollyparton.com and the Imagination Library Facebook page — and will include a performance by the Appalachian Children’s Chorus, greetings from Gov. Jim Justice, presentations from State Superintendent W. Clayton Burch, and a fireside chat with Marshall University President Brad Smith.

The Imagination Library program in West Virginia is administered through a partnership between Marshall University’s June Harless Center and the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE). Last year, the WVDE announced a major Imagination Library milestone with all 55 counties becoming active in the program. Dolly promised to visit West Virginia once all counties were onboard, making the state one of 11 in the U.S. with the distinction.

Tune in on August 9, 2022

Tune in and join Dolly for two livestream broadcasts on August 9, 2022, as we celebrate the statewide success of the Imagination Library in Ohio and West Virginia! For more information on Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, to check availability and register a child, visit imaginationlibrary.com.

Team DollyDolly Parton Celebrates the Success of the Imagination Library in Ohio and West Virginia with Two Livestream Broadcasts on Aug. 9
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Imagination Library Soars to New Heights This Summer

Published June 23, 2022 / Last Updated February 9, 2023
Team Dolly
Team Dolly
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly
Latest posts by Team Dolly (see all)

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Celebrates Significant Milestone, Now Gifting Over 2 Million Books Each Month

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library soars into summer by celebrating significant milestones in early childhood literacy, while inspiring children to love to read with an imaginative selection of summer books!

Dolly’s childhood literacy program has gifted over 184 million books to children across the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia and the Republic of Ireland. As we enter into summer, the Imagination Library continues to inspire more children around the world to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More®!

Celebrating 2 Million Books Each Month!

Thanks to over 2,800 local affiliates around the world who are dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books to children, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has reached an amazing milestone which, at one time, seemed like only a dream.

As of June 2022, there are over 2 million children enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. That means the Imagination Library is now gifting over 2 MILLION BOOKS to children around the world each and every month — that’s 1 book every 1.4 seconds!

This is truly incredible, as after launching in 1995, it took 21 years to reach the milestone of 1 million children enrolled in the program. Now, in only five years and six months, enrollment has doubled, with over 2 million children enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library around the world.

Dolly Visits Imagination Library Statewide Celebrations

On May 5, Dolly traveled across the country to visit the statewide celebrations of her Imagination Library in Delaware and Arkansas. Capping each appearance with a special musical performance, Dolly arrived in-person to congratulate these states on the significant achievement of full statewide coverage and on the eligibility of every child under five to enroll in her Imagination Library. The events were broadcast live on YouTube and Facebook, and you can catch Dolly’s appearances at the celebrations by watching the replays, now available to stream online.

Summertime Books to Spark Imagination

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and learning by gifting books, free of charge, to families via funding shared by Dolly and local community partners. Summer is a wonderful time of year to spark the imagination, not only by spending more time playing, but also by spending more time reading! Here are a few of the specially selected, age-appropriate books going out to registered children this summer.

 

Blue Sky White Stars

From the view of the Statue of Library at Ellis Island to civil rights marchers shoulder to shoulder, beautifully rich paintings illustrate American history in “Blue Sky White Stars,” written by Sarvinder Naberhaus with illustrations by Kadir Nelson.

 

 

Natsumi’s Song of Summer

This sweet and gentle picture book, written by Robert Paul Weston and illustrated by Misa Saburi, celebrates summer in Japan, as one little girl shares her love for bugs with her cousin who is visiting from America.

 

 

Pass It On

When you laugh or smile – pass it on! Here’s a heartwarming story about giving, sharing and joy, written and illustrated by Sophy Henn.

 

 

New to the Imagination Library?

Check availability in your area to register a child, sign up to receive a notification when the Imagination Library becomes available to you or learn more about how to Start A Program in your area.

Team DollyImagination Library Soars to New Heights This Summer

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