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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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 spring blooms all around, Dolly dives headfirst into the season's joy, infusing it with her own special sparkle and boundless energy. With flowers blooming and the sun shining brighter, she welcomes you to join in the springtime fun and share in everything she loves about this season.
"Spring is like nature's big 'hello' after a long winter nap," Dolly says. "The flowers bloomin' and birds chirpin' make us all feel like kids again, reminding us to soak up the sunshine and spread love wherever we go."
Take a closer look at everything Dolly has in store this spring!
Dolly kicked off the 39th season at Dollywood on March 8, introducing some of the new entertainment offerings and giving guests a preview of what's in store for 2024, including the opening of The Dolly Parton Experience and an extra 23 operating days.
Recently named one of the South’s Best Attractions by Southern Living, Dollywood welcomes guests this spring with The I Will Always Love You Music Festival (now–April 14), featuring three new shows celebrating Dolly’s career. Her remarkable story is told in “From the Heart—The Life & Music of Dolly Parton,” while “Sing-a-long with Dolly” invites guests to belt out the lyrics to some of her most-loved songs. Finally, “Trio, Again featuring Three Times A Lady” honors the “Trio” albums released by Dolly, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede, in both Pigeon Forge, TN, and Branson, MO, welcomes families to celebrate spring at the World’s Most Visited Dinner Attraction, featuring daring feats of trick riding, friendly competition, music, dancing, and a mouthwatering four-course feast.
Set sail on a swashbuckling adventure at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show! With locations in both Pigeon Forge, TN, and Branson, MO, families will witness epic pirate battles and high-diving mermaids, all while enjoying a delectable four-course feast.
Dolly’s childhood literacy program celebrates its 2024 Blue Ribbon Book Selections, springing forward into 2024 with a colorful selection of new books! The Imagination Library now gifts over 2.9 million books per month, totaling over 235 million books worldwide since inception!
You can now stream "Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala" on Paramount+! This CBS variety special, which aired on February 21, features musical performances of Dolly Parton's iconic songs and showcases the finest in doggy fashion.
Dolly lends her legendary talents to Zach Williams' newest single "Lookin' For You", accompanied by a brand new music video. Available now on all digital and streaming platforms!
In Good Lookin' Cookin', available Sept. 17, Dolly and her sister Rachel share tips for hosting events all year long, including twelve multi-course menus of cherished recipes for New Year’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more.
Dolly announces the launch of her first multi-category home collection featuring a wide array of home, kitchen and tableware products inspired by her Tennessee roots and global legacy. The collection kicks off with the launch of cast iron cookware developed in partnership with Lodge Cast Iron, available in stores and online retailers March 2024.
Available now on all digital streaming platforms, 'Rockstar Deluxe' features 39 tracks, 5 bonus tracks previously released as partner exclusives and 4 never-before-heard songs.
As the world begins to burst with new life this spring, keep an eye out for the rainbows that start to appear through the clouds. Let this amazing time of year put a big smile on your face and a song in your heart.
Together you and I can stop the rain and make the sun shine
Paint a pretty rainbow brushed with love across the sky
Together you and I belong like a songbird and a song
And we’ll always be together you and I
Love,
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library springs forward into 2024 by providing blossoming young minds a colorful selection of new books!
Dolly’s childhood literacy program now gifts over 2.9 MILLION books each month, with 1 in 7 children under the age of five in the United States receiving an Imagination Library book in the mail each month! As of March 2024, the Imagination Library has gifted over 235 million books to children across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, 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!™
Each year, the esteemed Blue Ribbon Book Selection Committees, composed of specially selected panels of early childhood literacy experts from the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland, meticulously review hundreds of potential titles for inclusion in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. These committees take great care in selecting books that align with children’s developmental milestones as they grow, while also featuring titles relevant to their respective countries. The program offers books published by Penguin Random House alongside country-specific content.
See all of the specially selected, age appropriate, high quality Imagination Library books slated for distribution to children in 2024!
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! Celebrate springtime with a few of these specially selected, age-appropriate books going out to registered children this spring.
Written by Kate McMullan and illustrated by Alison Friend, this beautiful picture book teaches the importance of taking care of our environment.
Iconic moments from the beloved Anne of Green Gables stories are recreated in this adorable concept book with colorful illustrations by Kelly Hill.
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.
'Tis the season of joy, and as the holidays unfold, Dolly is cranking up the holiday spirit with an abundance of sparkle and rockin' resonance that truly make this time of year magical. With falling snowflakes and festive Christmas vibes in the air, she welcomes you to share in the celebration of everything she cherishes about the holiday season.
“Christmas is that wonderful time of the year when hearts are warmer and spirits shine brighter,” Dolly shared. “The festive music and beautiful decorations seem to bring out the childlike wonder in all of us, and we’re reminded to believe in miracles and spread love to everyone around us."
Dolly rocks the globe with the release of her first rock album and 49th solo album, Rockstar, available worldwide on November 17. Releasing as a 4 LP set, a 2 CD set, digital download and on all streaming services, Rockstar includes 9 original tracks and 21 iconic Rock anthems. Sparked by her 2022 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dolly collaborated with an all-star roster of musicians, resulting in a 30-song collection that truly rocks.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas (Nov. 4–Jan. 6, 2024) captivates visitors with the rich essence of the holiday season, thanks to its gleaming lights, award-winning stage productions, Christmas culinary masterpieces and warm family customs.
The 15-time winner for Best Theme Park Christmas Event boasts more than 6 million dazzling, shimmering lights throughout the park, but the newest ones will fly high above the park each evening as part of a stunning holiday drone show. This larger-than-life display illuminates the season with hundreds of drones soaring in the air, riveting guests with an awe-inspiring new show.
Dolly Parton welcomed guests on Friday, November 3, to the official grand opening of Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort. The lodge marks the second world-class resort created by Dolly and Dollywood Parks & Resorts, further expanding the premier family destination located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
In May 2024, the Dolly Parton Experience is slated to open with a number of interactive elements to make guests feel as if they are journeying alongside Dolly from her childhood cabin in Locust Ridge to performing on the grandest stages around the world. Housed in multiple buildings, the multi-faceted experience includes exhibits which span her iconic career, a look at the inspiration for her biggest dreams, the importance of her family and even a specially curated exhibit that highlights Dolly’s signature style through the years.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede, in both Pigeon Forge, TN, and Branson, MO, welcomes families to celebrate the spirit of the season with an amazing Christmas spectacular filled with festive horse-riding stunts, stirring holiday music, a beautiful live nativity and a four-course holiday feast.
Set sail on an epic holiday journey at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show! Located in both Pigeon Forge, TN, and Branson, MO, treat the family to a swashbuckling dinner and heave-ho your way into a spectacular show filled with thrills and excitement for everyone!
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library recently celebrated the significant milestone of gifting 200 million books globally! To mark this achievement, seven families across five countries found golden Dolly bookmarks hidden within their Imagination Library books in September, unlocking a special video chat with Dolly and more surprises.
Furthering its mission to inspire a love of reading in children, Dolly’s Imagination Library program continues to expand to new areas, most recently rolling out new statewide programs in Louisiana and Missouri. These expansions provide access to free books, inspiring children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More!
Dolly released the latest track from her new Rockstar album - a powerful duet of "Wrecking Ball" with her fairy goddaughter, Miley Cyrus. The dynamic pair first performed the track on Miley's New Year’s Eve Party, which aired live on NBC.
Purchase Dolly’s new Rockstar album as a 4 LP set, 2 CD set or digital download, as well as exclusive limited edition Rockstar box sets and merchandise!
The holiday season is a time for kindness in our hearts, the enduring love of our families, the joy of laughter shared with our friends and the warmth of gratitude. Let's continue to embrace this spirit, spreading happiness and cheer to all those we encounter. It's the perfect time to celebrate and revel in the magic that comes this time of year. So, let's fill the air with festive melodies and make lasting memories as we celebrate a joyful holiday season we will cherish for years to come.
Christmas is a time for caring
Bein' at your best
Christmas is a time for sharing
Knowin' you've been blessed
Christmas is a time for givin'
Love is made of this
That's what Christmas is
Merry Christmas!
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library welcomes the holiday season by celebrating major achievements in literacy while cherishing the gift of quality time with family.
As of November 2023, Dolly’s childhood literacy program has gifted over 224 million books to children across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and the Republic of Ireland. As we enter into the holidays, the Imagination Library continues to embrace the spirit of the season by gifting more books to more children around the world and inspiring us all to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More!
To celebrate the significant milestone of gifting over 200 Million Books globally, seven golden Dolly bookmarks were randomly hidden inside Imagination Library books gifted during International Literacy Month (September).
In October, it was announced that all seven bookmarks were found by children in five different countries (Portland, Victoria, Australia; South Lanarkshire, Scotland; Dublin, Republic of Ireland; Ontario, Canada; Beaver, Oklahoma; Clay, New York; and Sterling, Illinois). These families received (if they chose) a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – a video chat with Dolly, herself! They also received a personalized signed letter from Dolly, an autographed photo from Dolly, and four Dollywood Theme Park tickets. To mark this tremendous milestone, The Dollywood Foundation will be donating $2,000 USD/CAD/AUD or £2,000 GBP on behalf of the child to their Local Imagination Library Partner in their community as a thank you to whom Dolly calls, the true heroes of her program.
Congratulations to these seven lucky families and thanks to our partners & supporters for this huge milestone!
Dolly's dream has always been to inspire a love of reading among preschool children and their families by providing them with the gift of a specially selected book each month. What started in 1995 in Dolly's hometown of Sevier County, TN, has now grown into an international program. While Dolly and the Dollywood Foundation cover many overhead costs and administration needs, the Imagination Library is made possible through funding shared by Dolly Parton and local community partners. So, when the program becomes available to children in new areas, it's an accomplishment worth celebrating!
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards recently joined Dolly Parton, the faculty and students of Crestworth Early Learning Center, East Baton Rouge Parish Superintendent Sito Narcisse, and local leaders to announce the statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Currently, Louisiana has 32 programs covering portions of 30 parishes in Louisiana. Nearly 19,000 eligible children in the state are currently receiving free books through these existing programs. The goal of the statewide expansion is to make books available to children ages 0-5 in every parish in Louisiana. Visit imaginationlibrary.com to learn more and check availability as the program expands across the state!
Missouri Governor Michael Parson recently joined Dolly Parton to announce the statewide expansion of her namesake Imagination Library book-gifting program. Missouri is the latest state to commit to achieving statewide coverage, with Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education(DESE) announcing that 100% funding for books and mailing for every child will be made possible by legislation (Section 178.694 RSMo. and DESE FY2024 budget) for many years to come.
To receive these books, all parents or guardians need to do is register their children in the program. High-quality, age-appropriate books are then mailed each month to the name of the child enrolled. Visit imaginationlibrary.com to learn more and register a child.
The holidays are special for many reasons, but perhaps the most special of all is the quality time spent with family. It’s a wonderful time of 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 season.
Embrace the magic of winter with this heartwarming story that celebrates the simple joys of a snowy day and the power of mindfulness.
This lovely picture book teaches your tots all about winter clothing and how to dress for colder weather.
This easy-to-read picture book introduces your child to the magic, fun and beauty of snow!
Join in the spirit of the season and give the gift of reading with families in your community by donating to your local Imagination Library! A donation as small as $26* covers the cost of providing an Imagination Library book to a child each month for one year!
*Notates USA. Annual cost varies per country.
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.
