Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
- Dolly Parton Partners With José Feliciano on New Version of “Eagle When She Flies” - September 20, 2021
- Usher in Autumn with Imagination Library - September 20, 2021
- Dolly Parton Featured in TIME100 List of World’s Most Influential People of 2021 - September 17, 2021
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 2021, Dolly’s childhood literacy program has gifted over 167 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 Significant Achievements
On International Literacy Day, September 8, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library received one of the highest literacy honors from the Library of Congress for the work it does to instill a love of reading in children. The Library of Congress awarded the Imagination Library with the $150,000 David M. Rubenstein Prize for its work in delivering more than 160 million books to children around the world. According to a release from the Library of Congress,
“Since 2014 when the Imagination Library received ‘best practice’ recognition from the Library of Congress Literacy Awards, the Dollywood Foundation has strategically positioned the Imagination Library for aggressive growth…Although mailing the books to each child’s home is only one aspect of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, it is a remarkable feat that helps improve literacy on an international scale and creates special moments for children and families.”
Another recent achievement of the Imagination Library was its recognition as the 2021 Friend of Education by the National Association of State Boards of Education. This national award is given annually to an individual or organization whose contributions to preK-12 education are significant and enduring. Robert Hull, NASBE president and CEO said,
“The Imagination Library exemplifies what NASBE values: equity and excellence in the education of all children. The Imagination Library has inspired the love of reading in our youngest children, making it possible for children in all circumstances to thrive in school and support lifelong learning.”
Fall in Love With Reading
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. Fall is 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 fall.
You Choose Fairy Tales
Children can choose what’s happening next in this imaginative adventure! “You Choose Fairy Tales” by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt inspires children to use their imagination to make up a story of their own.
Corduroy Takes A Bow
Using her own experiences as a Tony Award-winning Broadway actress, Viola Davis writes the story of Corduroy and Lisa’s first trip to the theatre in “Corduroy Takes a Bow.”
The Golden Glow
Fox embarks on a quest to find a rare and mysterious plant in “The Golden Glow,” a perfect book for nature lovers, written and illustrated by Benjamin Flouw.
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.
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