Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library enters the fall season by celebrating new achievements in its statewide expansion efforts and encouraging good reading habits with an imaginative selection of fall books!
Dolly’s book-gifting program has over 200 Million Reasons to Celebrate, having now gifted over 218 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!
Dolly’s renowned early childhood literacy program has recently made significant strides in expanding its reach by launching 2 statewide expansions in Indiana and Alabama, with a goal of one day soon providing full statewide access to free books for all children under five in these states.
In Indiana, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is available in 54 counties and is partially available in eight counties, with expansion plans to soon fully cover the entire state – all 92 counties.
Alabama’s program currently has 55 operating local program partners covering portions of Alabama’s 67 counties. The Imagination Library of Alabama expansion will focus on finding community partners to start new Imagination Library programs to eventually reach full coverage across the entire state. These expansions mark an exciting development in providing access to free books for children in these states, furthering the program’s mission of inspiring a love of reading and learning in children from birth to age five.
Dolly Parton recently visited Imagination Library Statewide Celebrations in Kansas and Washington, which marked the significant achievement of full statewide coverage to every child under five in these states.
Governor Kelly welcomed Dolly to Kansas for the Statewide Celebration of the Imagination Library held on August 14, designating it as "Imagination Library of Kansas Day." The celebration, attended by nearly 500 supporters of the program and special guests hosted by the Imagination Library of Kansas, marked the expansion of the Imagination Library to cover the entire state of Kansas, while highlighting the program's significant impact, offering an inspiring example of its mission to provide every child with the gift of reading.
On August 15, Dolly visited Washington to commemorate the "Imagination Library of Washington Day" during a Statewide Celebration of her Imagination Library. This event marked the expansion of the Imagination Library to all Washington counties, extending its reach to all children under five across the state. Hosted by the Imagination Library of Washington, the celebratory event featured a fireside chat with Dolly Parton, small performance, and recognition of champions from across the state who are making Dolly’s dream possible for Washington’s earliest learners.
In celebration of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library reaching the incredible milestone of gifting over 200 million books worldwide, an exciting initiative went underway this September for International Literacy Month. Over 2,800 local partners worldwide have contributed to this achievement by gifting books each month to children.
During the month of September, seven magical Dolly bookmarks were discreetly placed inside Imagination Library books provided to children and families enrolled in the program around the world. Seven fortunate recipients from five different countries who discover these hidden bookmarks in their books will have the chance to enjoy a video chat with Dolly, receive a personalized signed letter, an autographed photo, and four Dollywood Theme Park tickets if they wish. As a gesture of gratitude to the program's dedicated local program partners, the Dollywood Foundation will also donate $2,000 USD/CAD/AUD or £2,000 GBP to the Local Imagination Library Partner, recognizing them as the true heroes of Dolly's initiative.
If you have a child who is enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, check inside your September book now to see if you are one of the lucky families!
To learn more, visit www.imaginationlibrary.com/200-million-books.
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. Fall is a beautiful time of year to spark the imagination, not only by spending more time enjoying fall festivities, but also by spending more time reading! Here are a few of the specially selected, age-appropriate books going out to registered children this fall.
Everybody loves the story of the curious little girl named Goldilocks, who made herself quite at home in the house of the three bears. Jan Brett’s lavish illustrations for this classic tale, full of details and surprises, gives this edition a special flair. Children will marvel at the enchanted world created herein.
Acclaimed paper artist Elly MacKay illustrates a lovely family narrative through the use of weather sayings, creating a beautiful and informational story which will appeal to a child’s fascination with the natural world.
A little boy says goodnight to all his toys, but who is the favourite? Why, it's Tractor of course! With a rhyming text, atmospheric illustrations and plenty of animal sounds to join in with, Goodnight Tractor will help your little darlings go to bed and stay there.
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.
The sun is shining, the days are longer, and summer is officially in full swing! As a true lover of all things summer, Dolly embraces the joy, warmth and freedom that this time of year brings.
“Summer is when everything comes alive,” Dolly says. “It’s a time to let loose, have fun and create unforgettable memories.”
This summer, Dolly is not only enjoying the simple pleasures of the season, she’s been busy making headlines with her latest projects and achievements, giving everyone even more reason to celebrate alongside her as she continues to soar to new heights.
Dolly joined forces with some of Rock music’s most legendary artists, along with today’s biggest stars, for her first-ever Rock album, Rockstar. Inspired by her 2022 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dolly teamed up with an all-star roster of musicians for the 30-song collection, which includes 9 original tracks and 21 iconic rock anthems. Releasing November 17, 2023, Rockstar is now available for pre-order and will also be available as a 4 LP set, 2 CD set, digital download and for streaming on all digital service platforms.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library opens a new chapter this summer as they celebrate a huge milestone in early childhood literacy, surpassing 200 million books gifted globally since 1995, thanks to over 2,800 local affiliates around the world who are dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books each month to children. With the rollout of new statewide programs in California and Montana, they’re expanding access to free books, inspiring children everywhere to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More!
Stampede into summer fun at the world’s most visited dinner attraction, Dolly Parton’s Stampede. With locations in Branson, MO, and Pigeon Forge, TN, get ready for friendly competition, thrilling horse riding stunts, phenomenal musical productions and more — not to mention a delicious four-course feast!
Are you ready to spend your summer on a swashbuckling adventure? Visit Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Myrtle Beach, SC, or Pigeon Forge, TN. Both locations take guests on an epic pirate journey featuring high seas escapades and romance, complemented with a hearty four- course pirate feast.
Experience the ultimate summer adventure at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (June 17 – Aug. 6). With thrilling rides, captivating shows and the new Big Bear Mountain attraction, this summer will be unforgettable. Enjoy the mesmerizing “Sweet Summer Nights” with dazzling drones and fireworks, interactive water shows, bubble-filled fun, live entertainment and delicious seasonal treats. With extended park hours, guests can make memories until 9:30 p.m. and stay at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa for a complete summer getaway.
Nestled adjacent to Dollywood theme park, there is no better way to spend the hotter, longer days than at Dollywood’s Splash Country. East Tennessee’s friendliest water park is now open for its 23rd season until September 10, with more shade, more food and more opportunities to make a splash all summer long.
Bookings have begun for Dollywood’s newest resort property, the much-anticipated HeartSong Lodge & Resort, where guests can start making reservations for stays this fall. The earliest available stay date is November 3, 2023. Created with the same award-winning service and attention to detail made famous at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, HeartSong Lodge & Resort adds to the welcoming hospitality offerings guests have come to expect when visiting Dollywood Parks & Resorts.
Dolly keeps making waves with her upcoming Rockstar album, releasing on November 17. Witness Dolly’s rock star dominance as “Bygones” (ft. Rob Halford) with special guests Nikki Sixx & John 5 becomes her 2nd consecutive #1 self-penned rock song on the Classic Rock Songs chart, following the smash hit “World On Fire,” as seen in her electrifying performance at the ACM Awards! Plus, don’t miss “Magic Man (Carl Version)” (ft. Ann Wilson) with special guest Howard Leese. Get ready for rock and roll magic!
In a thrilling new collaboration, Dolly joins forces with fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Slash and talented Chris Janson in their latest song, “21 Forever.” The soaring track is now available to stream, from Chris Jansen’s album The Outlaw Side of Me.
As we savor the sun-kissed days and embrace the carefree spirit of summer, let’s celebrate the happy moments, big and small, that make this season so wonderful.
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’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 with the rollout of new statewide programs!
Dolly’s book-gifting program has gifted over 211 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!
Thanks to over 2,800 local affiliates around the world who are dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books each month to children, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has reached a remarkable milestone, surpassing 200 million books gifted globally since the program’s inception in 1995!
To commemorate this global milestone, seven enchanting Dolly bookmarks will be
randomly hidden inside Imagination Library books gifted during International Literacy Month
(September) to children/families currently enrolled in the program around the world. (Children must be enrolled by July 31, 2023, to receive Imagination Library books in September).
Seven random children/families in five countries who find the Dolly bookmarks in their Imagination Library books will receive, if they choose, a video chat with Dolly, a personalized signed letter from Dolly, an autographed photo from Dolly and four Dollywood Theme Park tickets. The Dollywood Foundation will also donate $2,000 USD/CAD/AUD or £2,000 GBP, on behalf of the child, to their Local Imagination Library Partner as a thank you to those who Dolly calls the true heroes of her program.
To learn more, visit www.imaginationlibrary.com/200-million-books.
Dolly’s renowned early childhood literacy program has recently made significant strides in expanding its reach by launching statewide expansions in California and Montana. These expansions mark an exciting development in providing access to free books for children in these states, furthering the program's mission of inspiring a love of reading and learning in children from birth to age five.
In addition, California is the first state to provide a bilingual book language option where children and their families can elect to receive 100% bilingual English/Spanish books. When California’s statewide expansion is complete, it will be the largest Imagination Library statewide program in the nation.
Made possible by bipartisan legislation which was signed into law by Governor Newsom last year, it allows
all California children under the age of five the eligibility to enroll in the program and receive a free book every month, regardless of household income. The program is currently active in areas across 30 counties in California. With this expansion, the program is expected to fully cover the entire state, providing universal access to free books in the mail every month, including bilingual options, for approximately 2 million children over the next several years.
In Montana, free books are now available to children ages birth to five years old in every county, regardless of household income. Montana’s Imagination Library currently has 63 local program partners serving more than 13,000 of the state’s nearly 61,000 eligible children under age five. Montana is the sixteenth state to commit to achieving statewide coverage, with First Lady Gianforte announcing her Treasure State Foundation is supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program in all 56 Montana counties.
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 SummerIn this vibrant book by Eric Carle, join the Very Hungry Caterpillar on a sunny summer day and enjoy everything the season has to offer!
Wonder WalkersImaginations will soar as readers take in the splendors of nature in this beautiful book by Micha Archer.
The Beastly BunchCelebrate the power of kindness and inclusivity with this vibrant, riotous picture book from Leisa Stewart-Sharpe and Pippa Curnick, reminding readers that true fabulousness shines from within!
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.
As the weather warms up and the flowers start to bloom, there's no denying that spring is in the air. Dolly always seems to have a little extra sparkle this time of year, from new music to charitable endeavors, fun family attractions and more. There is so much to look forward to this spring – take a closer look at everything Dolly has in store for us this season!
“Country Music’s Party of the Year” will make history this May with its iconic host pairing of Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks. The 58th Academy of Country Music Awards airs on Thursday, May 11 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT/5 p.m. PT, streaming live exclusively for a global audience across 240+ territories on Prime Video from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
Dollywood welcomes guests as they kick off their 2023 season, which is shaping up to be one of the busiest years in the park’s history. Two impressive projects—the Big Bear Mountain roller coaster and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort—are both scheduled for completion this year. Dolly announced Big Bear Mountain’s opening occurs in May, while bookings for HeartSong Lodge & Resort start in June with stays beginning in November.
Dolly’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge and Branson welcomes families to kick off the spring season with an evening of action-packed fun. Enjoy a bountiful four-course feast while delighting in a thrilling show filled with singing and dancing, impressive horse-riding stunts, family-friendly comedy and more.
At Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge and Myrtle Beach, buccaneers of all ages are invited to set sail into a fun spring season. This exciting adventure features everything from pirates battling for hidden treasure to high-diving mermaids, plus a delicious Pirate Feast. Come join in the fun!
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library welcomes the arrival of spring by celebrating the growth of Dolly’s book-gifting program, putting free books into the hands of more children than ever before! The Imagination Library now gifts over 2 MILLION books each month, with 1 in 10 children under the age of five in the United States receiving an Imagination Library book in the mail each month! As of March, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library surpassed the 200 million book milestone, celebrating the arrival of spring with over 204 million total books gifted since the program’s inception.
Dolly announced her new book Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones, an inside look at her iconic fashion and distinctive style, is due for release October 17, 2023. Dolly shares, for the first time, the full story behind her lifelong passion for fashion, including how she developed her own distinctly Dolly style, which has defied convention and endeared her to fans around the world.
Vinyl Me, Please and Dolly Parton are excited to announce a first-of-its-kind monthly record club devoted to the legendary career and peerless catalog of Dolly Parton. Starting in April 2023, Vinyl Me, Parton will give Dolly fans a monthly connection with her catalog on vinyl, with twelve Records of the Month spanning the entirety of Dolly’s recording career.
As the season of spring arrives, witness the magnificence of new beginnings that envelop the earth. Bask in the radiance of sunshine piercing through the clouds and seek out the emergence of colorful rainbows. Allow this beautiful time of year to bring you happiness and harmonize your soul.
Your laughter brings me sunshine
Every day is springtime
And I am only happy when you are by my side
How precious is this love we share
How very precious, sweet and rare
Together, we belong like daffodils and butterflies
Love is like a butterfly
As soft and gentle as a sigh
The multicolored moods of love are like its satin wings
Love makes your heart feel strange inside
It flutters like soft wings in flight
Love is like a butterfly, a rare and gentle thing
Love,
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library celebrates major achievements while providing blossoming young minds a colorful selection of spring books!
Dolly’s childhood literacy program now gifts over 2 MILLION books each month, with 1 in 10 children under the age of five in the United States receiving an Imagination Library book in the mail each month! As of March 2023, the Imagination Library has gifted over 204 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!
Thanks to our incredible local program partners who are dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books to children, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has seen significant growth, expanding into more communities around the world every single month. In just the past year, Dolly’s book gifting program celebrated the achievement of full statewide coverage in Delaware, Arkansas, Ohio and West Virginia, and announced plans to expand statewide in California, Oklahoma and Washington in the United States and province-wide in Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada.
As of March, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library surpassed the 200 million book milestone, celebrating the arrival of spring with over 204 million total books gifted since the program’s inception.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and learning by gifting books to families, free of charge, via funding shared by Dolly and local community partnerships. Spring is a wonderful time of year to let your child’s reading skills bloom by joining them and opening a good book together! Here are a few of the specially selected, age-appropriate books going out to registered children this spring.
In Our GardenWritten by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Melissa Crowton, this uplifting story incorporates themes of persistence, patience and community as students come together to create a vegetable garden.
Anne's ColorsIconic moments from the beloved Anne of Green Gables stories are recreated in this adorable concept book with colorful illustrations by Kelly Hill.
Where 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.
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.
