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

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is embracing the holiday season with gratitude and joy, reflecting on a transformative year marked by meaningful milestones and expanded impact. From reaching more children worldwide to strengthening partnerships that drive its mission, 2024 has been a year of growth and inspiration.

As of December 2024, Dolly’s childhood literacy program has gifted over 264 million books to children across the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia and the Republic of Ireland. As the year comes to a close, the Imagination Library looks back on the moments that brought the gift of books, imagination, and hope to countless families.

3 Million Children Registered Worldwide

This year, the program reached a significant milestone with 3 million children under five registered worldwide, distributing over 3 million books each month. This incredible achievement reflects the dedication of more than 2,800 local Imagination Library Partners working to bring the gift of reading to families everywhere.

Imagination Library Celebrates 3 Million Registered Children

Expanding Access Across the United States

In 2024, the Imagination Library expanded its reach across the U.S., celebrating new initiatives and programs:

Celebrations in Missouri and Kentucky

Dolly visited Missouri and Kentucky to celebrate both states achieving full coverage in all their counties, making every child under five now eligible to receive a free book!

Oregon Statewide Expansion

Oregon launched its statewide expansion efforts in May of this year and currently, over 61,000 children in Oregon are enrolled, supported by 56 community programs.

Bilingual English/Spanish Books

Building on its success in California, the bilingual book collection expanded to Tennessee, D.C., North Carolina, Ohio, and Delaware. Families in these states now have the option to choose the core book program or the 100% bilingual book program.

Milestones and Growth in the United Kingdom

Globally, the program achieved new milestones in the UK:

  • A £500,000 investment from East Riding of Yorkshire Council enabled all children in the region to receive free monthly books.
  • The UK also celebrated its 6 millionth book gifted milestone in July, supported by over 400 UK local Imagination Library Partners.

Reflecting on a Year of Impact

From record registration numbers to statewide expansions and global growth, 2024 has been a transformative year for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Dolly now mails a free book EVERY second, and each book delivered brings the Imagination Library closer to its goal of inspiring a lifelong love of reading—one child at a time.

Winter 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. Winter is a wonderful time of year to spark the imagination by spending more time reading! Here are a few of the specially selected, age-appropriate books going out to registered children this winter.

Llama Llama Red Pajama

Llama Llama Red Pajama

Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama drama in this read-aloud favorite, with infectious rhyming text and expressive artwork by Anna Dewdney.

A Northern Alphabet

Introduce your child to the ABCs in "A Northern Alphabet" by Ted Harrison, featuring some distinctly Canadian examples of the letters of the alphabet

Ladybird First Favorite Nursery Rhymes

Ladybird First Favourite Nursery Rhymes

Introduce your baby to 15 well-loved, classic nursery rhymes in this beautifully-illustrated book from Ladybird Books.

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 $31 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.

Check Out Everything Dolly Has in Store This Autumn!

As the crisp air settles in and the leaves begin their colorful dance, Dolly embraces the cozy charm of fall with her signature warmth and heart. From the vibrant hues of autumn to the comfort of gathering with loved ones, she invites you to savor the simple pleasures of the season. Join Dolly as she shares everything she loves about fall, from the beauty of nature to the delicious flavors that make this time of year so special.

"Fall is like nature’s way of wrapping you in a cozy blanket," Dolly says. "It’s a time to slow down, enjoy the crisp air, the beautiful changing leaves, and, of course, some good ol’ comfort food. I always look forward to gathering with loved ones to share the warmth and beauty of the season."

Take a closer look at everything Dolly has in store this autumn!

Dolly Parton and Her Sister Rachel Parton George Release Their Highly Anticipated Cookbook, Good Lookin' Cookin', Now Available Wherever Books Are Sold

Good Lookin' Cookin' Now Available Wherever Books Are Sold

Dolly Parton and her sister Rachel Parton George release their highly anticipated cookbook, Good Lookin' Cookin', filled with more than 80 delicious dishes as well as photographs of Dolly and Rachel cooking and hosting all year long. With their trademark warmth and sisterly love, Dolly and Rachel remind you that cooking doesn’t need to be serious—it should be fun! And always good lookin’!

Dollywood's Harvest Festival 2024

Autumn Comes Alive at Dollywood's Harvest Festival

Dollywood welcomes guests to celebrate the splendor of autumn during their annual Harvest Festival, happening September 9 – October 28. The popular event, which includes the family-friendly Great Pumpkin LumiNights, features all of the fun, flavorful food and award-winning entertainment that make this a must-see experience for your family this fall!

Dolly Beauty

Dolly Parton Launches Cosmetics Line Dolly Beauty In Partnership With Scent Beauty

Dolly announces the launch of her long-awaited cosmetics brand Dolly Beauty, an extension of her successful fragrances in partnership with Scent Beauty. Dolly Beauty products are now available exclusively on DollyBeauty.com with in-store rollout beginning in 2025.

Stampede Into an Autumn Adventure

Stampede Into an Autumn Adventure

Enjoy family fun this fall at Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge, TN, and Branson, MO. From thrilling horse riding stunts to a four-course country feast, it’s no surprise why this is the most fun place to eat!

Pirates Voyage Fall 2024

It’s Time for Fun, Feast & Adventure This Fall at Pirates Voyage

Set sail on an autumn adventure at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge, TN, and Myrtle Beach, SC. You'll witness epic pirate battles and high-diving mermaids, all while enjoying a delectable four-course feast.

Imagination Library Autumn 2024 News

Autumn Brings New Growth to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Dolly recently visited the Statewide Celebrations for her Imagination Library in Missouri and Kentucky. Meanwhile, the program celebrated significant international growth, marking the milestone of gifting its 6 millionth book in the UK.

Two Songs Released and Full Track Listing Revealed for Dolly Parton & Family’s 'Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables,' Set for Release November 15

Two Songs Released and Full Track Listing Revealed for 'Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables,' Set for Release Nov 15, 2024

Two new tracks have been released from the unprecedented historical project 'Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables': the uplifting title track "Smoky Mountain DNA" and a rousing rendition of her previously unreleased 1998 song "A Rose Won’t Fix It," performed by Dolly and Heidi Parton. Set for release on November 15th, the full track listing features contributions from multiple generations of Dolly’s family.

"Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas" Available Now

Dolly Parton Parton's Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas Available Now

Penguin Young Readers has released Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas, a hilarious and heartwarming tale about the true meaning of Christmas, featuring Dolly's beloved god-dog and inspired by her song 'Comin' Home for Christmas.' Available now wherever books are sold, as well as in audiobook format, narrated by Dolly.

SOUNDS OF AUTUMN

As the season wraps you in its comforting embrace, take time to cherish the small joys that make fall so special. Whether it’s the vibrant colors, the crisp air, or the familiar warmth of a home-cooked meal, autumn offers us moments to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. So, as the leaves continue to fall and the days grow shorter, may you find beauty, peace, and inspiration in the season’s gentle rhythms, just as Dolly does.

“Sounds of Nature”

I can hear the wind go whistling through the treetops
I hear raindrops falling softly to the ground
In the distance I can hear the roar of thunder
Seems there’s sounds of nature all around

Sounds of nature fill the air with music
How I love and cherish every sound
I often kneel in prayer to thank the Master
For the sounds of nature all around

Love,

Dolly Parton Signature Logo

The Imagination Library Embraces a Season of Growth While Inspiring a Love of Reading This Fall

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library kicks off the fall season by celebrating fresh milestones in its expansion efforts and promoting positive reading habits with an imaginative lineup of autumn books!

Dolly’s book-gifting program has now gifted over 251 million books to children across the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia and the Republic of Ireland. As we embark upon the fall season, the Imagination Library continues to inspire more children around the world to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More!TM

Dolly Visits Statewide Celebrations in Missouri and Kentucky

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) welcomed Dolly to Missouri on August 27 to celebrate the success of her Imagination Library. This Statewide Imagination Library Celebration followed last November's announcement that every child in Missouri is now eligible to participate in the program, receiving one free, high-quality, age-appropriate book per month until their fifth birthday.

Missouri State Logo Imagination Library

Out of all the statewide programs, no other state has launched a fully funded program with all children under age five eligible from the very first day of the statewide rollout.

Kentucky State Logo Imagination Library

On the same day, Dolly visited Kentucky, where Governor Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear welcomed her to celebrate Kentucky’s success in expanding the program to every county in the commonwealth.

More than 500 local Imagination Library program partners, library staff, literacy advocates, and others who contributed to the expansion gathered at the historic Lyric Theatre in downtown Lexington. They heard inspiring words from Dolly and celebrated this major milestone. Now, every child in Kentucky can receive one free book per month, from birth to age 5, ensuring they can build their own at-home library before starting kindergarten.

Milestones and Expansion in the UK

In July, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library celebrated a significant milestone with its authority-wide expansion in East Riding of Yorkshire, UK, made possible by a £500,000 investment from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Now, all children in East Riding are eligible to receive FREE books each month from birth to age five!

The celebration continued into August, when the Imagination Library gifted its 6 millionth book in the UK! This achievement was made possible by the support of over 435 incredible organizations across the country. Thanks to these local partners and supporters, the Imagination Library is making a lasting impact by inspiring a love of reading in children throughout the UK.

Autumn 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. Autumn is a wonderful time of year to spark the imagination by spending more time reading! Here are a few of the specially selected, age-appropriate books going out to registered children this fall.

Red Sky at Night at Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Red Sky at Night

"Red Sky at Night" is a memorable collection of weather sayings, beautifully arranged in story form and illustrated by renowned paper artist Elly MacKay. #DollysLibrary #CanadaBook #ReadOnCanada

Who Says Quack

Who Says Quack?

Turn the pages of this adorable board book, perfect for little fingers, as your baby guesses the sound each animal makes!

The Artist

The Artist

Perfect for bedtime reading, this witty picture book by Ed Vere is a joyful and inspirational celebration of beauty, mistakes and the artist in all of us.

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.

Check Out Everything Dolly Has in Store This Summer!

As the season unfolds with its vibrant energy and long, lazy days, Dolly dives headfirst into the joy of summer, infusing it with her own special brand of magic. With days filled with sunshine, laughter, and the sweet melodies of summer, she invites you to join in the joy and experience everything she loves about this vibrant time of year.

"Summer is like a big ol' party that nature throws every year," Dolly says. "It's a time to be a little more carefree, feel the sunshine on your face, and enjoy the simple pleasures with those you love."

Take a closer look at everything Dolly has in store this summer!

Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration

Summer Comes Home to Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration

Guests to Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, happening now through August 11, can enjoy all the Smoky Mountain sights, sounds, and tastes, as well as the brand-new Dolly Parton Experience and the returning favorite Sweet Summer Nights Dance Party and Drone Show. 

Dolly Parton's Stampede Summer 2024

Summer at the Stampede: Celebrate with a High-Spirited Adventure

Celebrate summer at the World’s Most Visited Dinner Attraction®, featuring thrilling horse riding stunts, phenomenal musical productions, incredible special effects, and a mouthwatering four-course feast.

Pirates Voyage Summer 2024

Celebrate Summer with High Seas Escapades at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

Set sail on an action-packed summer adventure at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, where you'll witness epic pirate battles and high-diving mermaids, all while enjoying a delectable four-course feast.

Imagination Library Summer 2024 News

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Opens a New Chapter of Summer Stories

Dolly’s childhood literacy program celebrates reaching a new milestone, now gifting over 3 million books per month to children worldwide, while expanding its bilingual program to five additional states and launching a statewide expansion in Oregon.

"Hello, I'm Dolly" Coming to Broadway 2026

Dolly Parton's New Musical Hello, I'm Dolly to Hit Broadway in 2026

Dolly announced from the stage of the CMA Fest in Nashville that she will partner with ATG Productions to bring a new musical inspired by her life and trailblazing career, titled Hello, I’m Dolly, to Broadway in 2026.

Dolly Wines

Dolly Parton Unveils ‘Dolly Wines,’ Her First Ever Collection of Wines in Partnership with Accolade Wines

Dolly introduces her first collection of wines, Dolly Wines, hitting stores in July 2024 and now exclusively available for pre-sale through Vivino on DollyWines.com.

Dolly Parton & Family Smoky Mountain DNA

'Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables' Set For Release November 15

Dolly, in collaboration with Owepar Entertainment, is thrilled to announce an unprecedented exploration of her rich family heritage with the upcoming release of 'Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables,' set for release on November 15. Additionally, a companion four-part docuseries chronicling her rich family heritage is currently in production.

Listen to "Somebody's Child," Dolly Parton's Collaboration With Blessing Offor

Building upon the success of two GRAMMY® nominations and coming off the first leg of a national tour with Lauren Daigle, two-time DOVE Award winner Blessing Offor has released a brand-new song collaboration with Dolly Parton, titled “Somebody’s Child.”

Celebrate With Dolly Partyware

Check Out the New 'Celebrate with Dolly' Disposable, Eco-Friendly Partyware Collections!

Whether you’re hosting a girls' night or a backyard barbeque, Dolly's collections of partyware are the perfect theme for your event. From festive paper plates to decorated napkins, wooden cutlery and décor, find items from the "I Beg Your Parton" and "Patriotic Butterflies" design collections on Amazon today!

SONGS OF SUMMERTIME

As we bask in the warm glow of summer and embrace its carefree spirit, let's celebrate the joyful moments, both big and small, that make this season truly magical.

“Tennessee Mountain Home”

Sittin’ on the front porch on a summer afternoon
In a straightback chair on two legs, leaned against the wall
Watch the kids a playin’ with June bugs on a string
And chase the glowin’ fireflies when evening shadows fall

In my Tennessee mountain home
Life is as peaceful as a baby’s sigh
In my Tennessee mountain home
Crickets sing in the fields near by

Love,

Dolly Parton Signature Logo

The Imagination Library Soars to New Heights Inspiring Over 3 Million Children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More™

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library opens a new chapter this summer as the program celebrates a significant milestone in early childhood literacy, while continuing its expansion efforts to inspire a love of reading in children all over the world.

Dolly’s childhood literacy program now gifts over 3 MILLION books each month and, as of June 2024, the Imagination Library has gifted over 244 million books to children across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.

Imagination Library Celebrates 3 Million Registered Children

Celebrating 3 Million Registered Children

In June, the Imagination Library celebrates an exciting new milestone: reaching 3 MILLION children under the age of five registered worldwide. Special thanks to over 2,800 local affiliates globally, whose dedication makes it possible to gift over 3 million books to children each month around the world.

The Imagination Library Expands Statewide in Oregon

Dolly’s renowned early childhood literacy program has recently made significant strides in expanding its reach by kicking off statewide expansion in Oregon. This expansion marks an exciting development in providing access to free books for children in Oregon, furthering the program's mission of inspiring a love of reading and learning in children from birth to age five.

Currently, over 54,000 children across Oregon receive the gift of a monthly book through 55 community programs. Books are free to the family regardless of family income. The goal of the statewide expansion is to make books available to children ages 0-5 in every zip code in Oregon.

Check availability to enroll a child and visit back often as the program expands across the state.

Bilingual English/Spanish Book Collection Launches in Five New States

After successfully launching its Bilingual English/Spanish book program in California in 2023, the Imagination Library has now successfully rolled out its Bilingual Book Collection in five new states: Tennessee, D.C., North Carolina, Ohio, and Delaware!

As of June 2024, existing and new families in those five states will get the option of which Language Book Collection they would like to receive:

1. English (Mostly English books with an occasional bilingual English/Spanish book)
2. Bilingual English/Spanish option (Every book is bilingual English/Spanish)

Thanks to all of our partners who made this possible, allowing us to inspire a love of reading in even more children and families across the United States!

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.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar's First Summer

In this vibrant book by Eric Carle, join the Very Hungry Caterpillar on a sunny summer day and enjoy everything the season has to offer!

Ice Cream Face

Ice cream lovers everywhere will enjoy this delicious book by Heidi Woodward Sheffield that brings to life the anxiety and elation involved in waiting in line to get ice cream.

The Secret Fawn

Gorgeous cut-paper art illuminates this sweet, heartfelt picture book that shows how special being little can be. Written by Kallie George and illustrated by Elly MacKay.

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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