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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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Dolly Parton Celebrates the Success of the Imagination Library in Delaware and Arkansas with Two Livestream Broadcasts on May 5

Published May 3, 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 Delaware and Arkansas, streaming May 5.

On Thursday, May 5, Dolly Parton will be traveling the country to visit statewide celebrations of her Imagination Library in Delaware and Arkansas. Join Dolly for two livestream broadcasts as Delaware and Arkansas celebrate the success of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library!

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. After tremendous support and growth in their Imagination Library programs, both Delaware and Arkansas have now achieved statewide coverage, making every child under age five eligible for enrollment.

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.

Delaware Statewide Celebration at 12:30 PM EST

Tune in at 12:30 p.m. EST to watch as Dolly joins Governor John Carney and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney for a special conversation and brief musical performance celebrating the success of the Imagination Library in Delaware. The special livestream broadcast will be available to watch simultaneously on dollyparton.com and YouTube. (*Note: this event has been rescheduled to 12:30PM from its previously scheduled time.)

Governor Carney first announced a pilot launch of the Imagination Library program in five Delaware school districts in his 2020 State of the State address, with the Division of Libraries partnering with 13 local public libraries to make the program available to families within the pilot districts. Now, thanks to the tireless efforts of the program’s statewide partners and supporters, the Imagination Library has reached full statewide coverage in Delaware.

Arkansas Statewide Celebration at 6:35 PM CST

At 6:35 p.m. CST, Governor Asa Hutchinson, statewide leaders and local supporters welcome Dolly to the celebration in Arkansas for a brief musical performance and a live chat with local media personality, Craig O’Neill. Tune in to watch the special broadcast, streaming live simultaneously on dollyparton.com, Youtube and the Imagination Library Facebook page.

Since 2005, Imagination Library affiliates in Arkansas have gifted more than three million books, with more than 57,000 Arkansas children currently enrolled in the program. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the program’s statewide partners and supporters, the Imagination Library has now reached full statewide coverage, making all children under age five eligible for enrollment!

Tune in on May 5, 2022

Tune in and join Dolly for two livestream broadcasts on May 5, 2022, as we celebrate the statewide success of the Imagination Library in Delaware and Arkansas! 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 Delaware and Arkansas with Two Livestream Broadcasts on May 5
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Imagination Library Celebrates First Annual Floyd Cooper Day During Children’s Book Week

Published May 2, 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 honors the legacy of Floyd Cooper with special re-airing of “Goodnight with Dolly” episode, “Max and the Tag-Along Moon”

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library joins non-profit organization, Every Child a Reader, in celebrating the first annual Floyd Cooper Day, held May 6, 2022. Happening during the annual Children’s Book Week celebration (May 2-8, 2022), Floyd Cooper Day honors the legacy of the late Floyd Cooper and celebrates his inspiring and powerful work as an award-winning illustrator and author.

On May 6, to mark the first annual Floyd Cooper Day, the Imagination Library will premiere a special encore presentation of the award-winning “Goodnight with Dolly” online series, which will feature Dolly reading Cooper’s “Max and the Tag-Along Moon,” along with a special in-memoriam to Cooper.

Floyd Cooper’s Lasting Legacy

Floyd Cooper
Floyd Cooper was a children’s book illustrator known for realistically and positively exploring the African American experience. With over 30 years of work and 100 titles, he strived to shed light on chapters of African American history that weren’t taught enough in classrooms. “Max and the Tag-Along Moon,” which Cooper wrote and illustrated, has become a beloved book in the Imagination Library cannon and his works have left a lasting impact among families all over the world. Sadly, Cooper passed on July 15, 2021, yet the ideals and values imparted through his works will live on forever.

Watch the Special Presentation of “Max and the Tag-Along Moon”

Tune in to a special encore presentation of “Goodnight with Dolly,” in celebration of Children’s Book Week and the first annual Floyd Cooper Day, on May 6. Watch as Dolly reads Cooper’s “Max and the Tag-Along Moon,” followed by an in-memoriam to honor the life and legacy of Floyd Cooper.

Celebrate Floyd Cooper Day on Friday, May 6

Join the celebration of the first annual Floyd Cooper Day on May 6, 2022, by using #FloydCooperDay across social media, and tune in to the special presentation of “Max and the Tag-Along Moon.”

Team DollyImagination Library Celebrates First Annual Floyd Cooper Day During Children’s Book Week
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Celebrate Springtime with Imagination Library

Published March 22, 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 Spring

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library welcomes the arrival of spring by celebrating major achievements in literacy while encouraging good reading habits with a colorful selection of spring books!

As of March 2022, Dolly’s childhood literacy program has gifted over 178 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 Significant Growth

Thanks to our incredible affiliates and local partners who are dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books to children, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has seen significant growth over the past few months, and the program continues to expand into even more communities around the world.

In Canada, the Imagination Library recently kicked off the province-wide expansion of Dolly’s book gifting program across Newfoundland and Labrador, thanks to an anonymous donor who will cover most of the cost for community partners. And, in the United States, the Imagination Library celebrated National Read Across America Day (March 2) by announcing that the program would be expanding statewide in Washington! Soon, all children under the age of five in the state of Washington will be eligible to receive a free book each month.

On March 17, the Imagination Library was announced as the 2022 Carle Honors Angel honoree by the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. The Carle Honors celebrate 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. The Angel award, in particular, recognizes those whose generous resources are crucial to making illustrated children’s book art exhibitions, education programs, and related projects a reality. Now in its 16th year, the Carle Honors will be awarded at the Benefit Gala and Art Auction at Guastavino’s in New York City on Thursday, September 29, 2022.

Books for Budding Readers

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

 

2021-When The Storm ComesWhen the Storm Comes

A storm and its sunny aftermath come to life in “When the Storm Comes,” with gorgeous art by Taeeun Yoo and lyrical text by Linda Ashman.

 

 

2021-Not So Great OutdoorsThe Not-So-Great Outdoors

Discover the pleasures of unplugging and embracing nature in this playful picture book, “The Not-So-Great Outdoors,” by Madeline Kloepper.

 

 

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 DollyCelebrate Springtime with Imagination Library
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Embrace the Season of Giving With Imagination Library

Published November 5, 2021 / 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 Spirit of Giving This Holiday Season

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 2021, Dolly’s childhood literacy program has gifted over 170 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!

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, however, 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 communities. So, when the program becomes available to children in new areas, it’s an accomplishment worth celebrating!

Imagination Library Expands Across Kansas

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Representative Troy Waymaster and the Kansas Children’s Cabinet recently joined Dolly to announce that the Imagination Library would soon be available to all children under five in Kansas! The goal of the statewide expansion is to make books available to children ages 0-5 in every zip code in Kansas.

Currently Kansas has 82 programs covering portions of 77 of Kansas’ 105 counties. Once full county participation is achieved, Kansas will join only 12 states and the District of Columbia that have earned this distinction. Continue to check availability as the Imagination Library expands programs across the state!

Kentucky Kicks Off Statewide Expansion

Kentucky families are also celebrating after news that the Imagination Library will soon be available to all children under five in the Bluegrass State! Dolly recently announced the statewide expansion of her Imagination Library program in Kentucky, through funding shared by Dolly, the State of Kentucky and local community partnerships.

The Imagination Library of Kentucky expansion will focus on reaching more children and families to increase registration in existing Imagination Library Programs in the state, while finding community partners to start new Imagination Library programs in Kentucky. Visit imaginationlibrary.com/kentucky 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 most special of all is the quality time spent with family. The holidays are a wonderful time of the 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.

 

The Snowy Day“The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats

Perhaps nothing is so magical as waking up to wintery blanket of snow, and this book by Ezra Jack Keats captures that magic beautifully!

 

 

Counting On Snow“Counting on Snow” by Maxwell Newhouse

The gorgeous illustrations in this book by folk artist Maxwell Newhouse provide a lovely introduction to numbers and the animals of the northern wilderness.

 

 

Otto the Book Bear in the Snow“Otto the Book Bear in the Snow” by Katie Cleminson

Otto is a bear who lives in a book in the library with his friend, Ernest. Read about their incredible adventure through the snow as they try to get back to the library for the special winter party!

 

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 DollyEmbrace the Season of Giving With Imagination Library

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