Featured photo courtesy of Mary Alice Lovelace
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which began as a small community outreach in her native Sevier County, Tennessee, has evolved to become the largest literacy program in the world. In December, the "little literacy program that could" marks another impressive milestone—one million books gifted to children around the world each month.
To celebrate the unprecedented success, Evey Johns, a two-year-old from Conway, Arkansas who just enrolled in the Imagination Library, has been randomly selected to receive a $30,000 college scholarship. The announcement was made by Parton during her Pure & Simple concert tour stop in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on Nov. 15. Proceeds from the concert totaled $500,000 and will benefit the Imagination Library.
Inspired by Dolly’s father, the program's very first mailing of free books topped just over 1,600. In 2016 alone, the Imagination Library has mailed over 11.5 million books and more than 85 million since inception. Dolly wanted to bookmark the event with a unique gift. She said,
"I thought long and hard about the best way to honor our achievement of reaching 1,000,000 children a month. The Imagination Library is all about inspiring dreams so what better way to pay tribute to this moment than by helping one special child pursue their college degree. So I am thrilled that today I can let the world know that precious, little Evey Johns of Conway, AR will receive a $30,000 scholarship for the college of her choice."
The scholarship will be held in a special account and distributed to Evey when she enrolls in college. Over the next 16 years, the amount of scholarship should grow to approximately $50,000.
"The thought of our daughter Evey going to college has been just that—a thought,” explained Evey’s mother, Connie. “Now, due to the enormous kindness and generosity of the Dollywood Foundation, that thought has now become a reality. Our family now has the means to develop a solid plan for our daughter’s future education. Thank you all so much for this unbelievable opportunity for our daughter."
Evey is enrolled in the Imagination Library in Conway, AR. The local affiliate in her area, Arkansas Preschool Plus partners with the Dollywood Foundation to provide the Imagination Library to 960 children in the three-county area around Conway. Currently, 14,865 children (about 7.6% of the 195,000 who are eligible) are enrolled in the program. Of the 75 counties in the state, 50 are participating in the Imagination Library. Five additional counties are currently working to get the program started.
Arkansas Preschool Plus is an affiliate partner for Conway, Faulkner and Perry Counties. About 960 children are enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through Arkansas Preschool Plan. Over 14,800 children are registered and receive books within the state of Arkansas. An Advisory Committee of leaders from across Arkansas is currently working with State elected officials, foundations and corporations on an effort to make the Imagination Library available to every child from birth up to age five in the state.
Founded in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting organization that has, to date, mailed more than 85 million books to children in Australia, Belize, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States. Each month, the program currently mails more than one million specially selected, high-quality, age-appropriate books to registered children from birth until they start Kindergarten in participating communities. Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading in children, preparing them for school and inspiring them to dream. Recent studies suggest participation in the Imagination Library is positively and significantly associated with higher measures of early language and math development. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
All proceeds from Dolly's Pure & Simple concert at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN on Nov. 15 benefited her Imagination Library.
See more Pure & Simple Tour Dates
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library reached a historic milestone. As of October 2016, one million children are set to receive one free book every month! Dolly celebrated the "One Million A Month" achievement at her sold-out concert in Pigeon Forge, TN on Nov. 15.
Several award-winning authors and illustrators, whose books appear in the program, congratulated Dolly and the organization with special videos.
This award-winning author/illustrator has contributed his talents to nearly 250 books in his 40-year career. He discovered his love of storytelling at a young age and vowed to dedicate his life to creating beautiful books for children. His many accolades include the Smithson Medal from the Smithsonian Institution.
Newbery Medal winner, Matt de la Peña is an advocate for diversity within children's picture books. He authored several books for Young Readers before discovering his passion for children's books after becoming a father.
Jacky Davis & David Soman are the creators of the beloved "Ladybug Girl" book series. This creative couple enjoys sharing a love of reading with their children, Lucy and Sam, who together inspired Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy.
*Matt de la Peña's "Last Stop on Market Street" is illustrated by Christian Robinson.
Support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library with the new Dolly Parton License Plate.
Imagination Library is pre-selling Dolly Parton License Plates to Tennessee residents. For $35, registered vehicles can display this beautiful license plate featuring Tennessee's Book Lady. Proceeds from sales will benefit Dolly Parton's Imagination Library efforts in the Volunteer State.
A minimum of 1,000 pre-orders are required by the State of Tennessee in order to put the new plate into production.
Visit Dolly Parton's Imagination Library for more information and to Pre-order the Dolly Parton License Plate
Founded in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting organization that has, to date, mailed over 80 million books to children in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States. Each month, the program currently mails over 955,000 specially selected, high-quality, age-appropriate books to registered children from birth to age five in participating communities.
Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading in children, preparing them for Kindergarten and inspiring them to dream. Recent studies suggest participation in the Imagination Library is positively and significantly associated with higher measures of early language and math development. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
"You can never get enough books into the hands
of enough children."
On June 23, 2016, many homes and businesses were impacted by the flood waters that passed through the southeastern region of West Virginia. As for two public libraries, Rainelle (Greenbrier County) and Clendenin (Kanawha County), the destruction is unimaginable. Total devastation.
In Clay County, flood water found its way into the basement of the Clay County Public Library ruining computers, children’s program supplies and the heating and cooling system.
To rebuild lost collections, Books-A-Million Stores across the state are supporting flood relief efforts by donating a portion of their sales on Saturday, July 16, 2016, to the state Library Commission. Be sure to mention “WV Flood Relief” at the time of purchase to confirm relief efforts.
“It is a company standard of Books-A-Million to provide a warm and genuine atmosphere to our customers,” said Anne-Marie Johnson, general manager of the Beckley Books-A-Million. “Many of our customers are also library patrons, and the partnership between Books-A-Million and local libraries has always been very natural. For many of our customers – particularly in outlying areas – the library is the closest resource for not only books, but also educational courses, local history, children’s activities, and computers for the public’s use. We are very focused on assisting them during this crucial time of need.”
If you are interested in donating time and hard work, please register with Volunteer West Virginia
For an online donation benefitting Rainelle PL, please send funds to: YouCaring Account for Rainelle
Public Library Checks can be mailed to any of the following:
Rainelle Public Library is making a slow, but gradual recovery. The building consumed 5 feet of water, destroying the library’s entire print and digital collection. Most of the furnishings were unsalvageable, but a few things were recovered. Director of Rainelle Public Library, Ann Farr said,
“Thanks to a local church group, clean-up has been better-than-expected and moving along quite well. The National Guard picked up flood-damaged items left by the curb and a contractor was hired to remove interior sheathing and insulation and to inspect the electrical wiring.”
Clendenin Public Library was also declared a catastrophe. Powerful flood waters forced out windows and left 8 inches of mud throughout the building. No printed piece was left unscathed. Tables and chairs floated across the room and computer equipment was destroyed. The electrical and HVAC systems are damaged beyond repair and the structure of the library itself is uncertain. No items are foreseen as salvageable, but as the sifting through continues – so does the assessment.
Recovery time for these libraries is estimated to be several months. The restoration process will be slow and tedious, but the rescue will happen.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a free book gifting organization that sends nearly one million books per month to children around the world. In West Virginia alone the program serves 21,941 children with help from the WV Dept of Ed and the Arts - the state coordinator which directly oversees all the county programs.
With amazing new entertainment, extended park hours and a nightly fireworks show, Dollywood is the perfect place for families to celebrate the fun and excitement of summer.
From June 11- Aug. 7, Dollywood’s park hours are 10 AM - 10 PM daily, allowing guests more time to create memories and share experiences together. In addition to extended hours during this time, visitors can enjoy Dolly’s Nights of Many Colors, a spectacular synchronized fireworks show which paints a colorful canvas across the Smoky Mountain sky. Guests also can join in the excitement of Lite the Nite, a high-spirited dance party which occurs each evening prior to the fireworks extravaganza.
Two new shows headline the summer beginning with award-winning illusionist Brad Ross’ Unbelievable magic show June 11- July 10. Ross takes audiences on an inspirational journey into a world of fun and magic where anything is possible. Along the way, children learn to discover the magic in everyday items and events they find all around them. Each show features unbelievable magic and illusions, comedy and audience interaction. It’s an awe-inspiring show that is fresh and fun for both kids and adults. Brad said,
"I'm beyond thrilled to be joining the Dollywood family and bringing our incredible illusions, world-class magic and pure family fun to Pigeon Forge this summer. One of the things I'm most excited about is the opportunity to help families experience magic in a whole new way - my show is all about finding the magic that's all around us and there is no more perfect place to make that happen than at Dollywood!"
Dollywood goes to the dogs July 11- Aug. 7 with the high-flying antics of Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience. These talented animals will leave audiences begging for more. Trainers work with these performing pooches to create a high-energy show which features remarkable tricks and eye-popping special effects. All of the dogs in Perondi’s show are adopted from pounds and shelters nationwide. Perondi’s stunt dogs have been featured on “The Tonight Show,” “Ellen” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Chris said,
“I am ‘dog-gone’ excited to bring back my Stunt Dog Experience to Dollywood this summer. Dollywood is one of our favorite theme parks and performing in the Celebrity Theater is an honor. I can promise this show is fur-flying fun for the whole family!”
Summer also means it’s story time again at The Little Engine Playhouse, as some of the Imagination Library’s best titles are brought to life! "Old Bear and His Cub" and "Betty Bunny Didn’t Do It" are featured as 25-minute musicals with special sing-along songs written by Dolly. Everyone’s favorite, "The Little Engine That Could," also comes to the stage with a delightful reminder of what can happen with a bit of determination and courage.
Festive food adds to the Dollywood experience during the summer with unique new items including macaroni & cheese with various toppings, pretzel dogs, banana split funnel cakes and frozen chocolate-dipped bananas.
Explore Dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD for park hours and show information.
