Today Dolly Parton joined Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden for the dedication of her Imagination Library’s 100 Millionth Book to the Library of Congress collection. Dolly dedicated a special edition of her book, “Coat of Many Colors” to the world’s largest library. This honor is a monumental milestone for the program now its 22nd year. Dolly said,
“I always like to say that 100 million books have led to 100 million stories. I am so honored that our little program has now grown to such a point that we can partner with the Library of Congress to bring even more stories to children across the country.”
From its infancy in Sevier County, Tennessee, to the largest children’s literacy program in the world, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has inspired millions of children around the globe to love reading. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said,
“Dolly Parton’s work through her Imagination Library is awe-inspiring. They have counted the number of books given away – 100 million, but there is no way to truly quantify the impact this program has had on developing young readers across America and in other parts of the world. This is an extraordinary gift to humankind.”
The two also announced a new Library of Congress story time for young readers. On the last Friday of each month starting in March and running through August a special story time will be held at the Library of Congress. The Library will host story time in the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building. These events will be live streamed so children and parents can join the fun online. Each story time will feature a reading of a book for readers up to age 5, music and special guests. Hayden commented,
“The Library of Congress shares this passion for developing young readers and I am so pleased to announce these cooperative programs, which will provide an opportunity for children anywhere to connect with a fun, engaging reading experience.”
The story times will take place the last Friday of each month for six months in March through August at 10:30 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street SE. The events are free and open to the public. No tickets are required. The programs will also be live streamed on the Library’s Facebook page and its YouTube channel (with captions).
[masterslider id="103"]
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States—and extensive materials from around the world—both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov, access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.
On Feb. 27, Dolly Parton will join Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden for a very special presentation of the Imagination Library’s 100 Millionth Book to the Library of Congress collection. The program will begin at 10 a.m. and will be streamed live on both Youtube and Facebook. Viewers can also expect to hear about an exciting collaboration between Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and the Library of Congress.
The Book Lady is all set for her trip to the nation's capital. Of her many successes, awards and personal achievements, this day will be one Dolly will treasure forever alongside many of the people who help make the Imagination Library possible. The once small program inspired by Dolly's father will now have its own place in the world's largest library. Dolly said,
“I'm really looking forward to presenting my Imagination Library's 100 Millionth Book to the Library of Congress. It's a big honor and one that I'm so very proud to share with the many special partners and local affiliates who have helped make this day possible. Together we can all Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More.”
Since launching in 1996, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has celebrated many milestones. Some of which include mailing the 25 millionth book (2010), Best Practices award from the Library of Congress Literacy Awards (2014) and the 1 Million A Month Milestone (2016). The excitement around this next accomplishment has been building for months as the program prepares to mail it's 100 millionth book. Reaching the 100 Millionth Book Milestone is a true testament to the dedication of many, many people who work to "put more books in the hands of more children."
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States—and extensive materials from around the world—both on site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov, access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.
