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 2022, Dolly’s childhood literacy program has gifted over 195 million books to children across the U.S., Canada, 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!
During an awards ceremony in New York City on October 13, 2022, Dolly accepted the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in recognition of her many philanthropic efforts, including her investments in alleviating poverty, strengthening early college access, advancing medical research (including pediatric infectious diseases and the development of a COVID-19 vaccine), and perhaps most notably, for strengthening childhood education through the distribution of free books worldwide by her Imagination Library.
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!
California Announces Statewide Expansion
California Senator Shannon Grove and Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins recently joined Dolly Parton to announce that Senate Bill 1183 — bipartisan legislation in partnership with The Dollywood Foundation to establish the Imagination Library of California Statewide Program — has been signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, paving the way for the program to launch statewide mid-2023. The Imagination Library of California statewide program will work with local partners in each county to mail free, age-appropriate books directly to California’s early readers every month, from birth until age five.
Currently, one percent of California children ages 0-5 are enrolled in existing local Imagination Library programs, which continue to see rising interest and success, especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities where libraries are more difficult to access. SB 1183 creates a statewide program that will reach all 58 counties, opening up eligibility to 2.4 million children in California. Visit imaginationlibrary.com to learn more and check availability as the program expands across the state!
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.
Gentle rhymes and beautiful illustrations take you through the changing seasons, as seen through the eyes of a black bear and her cubs.
This easy-to-read picture book introduces your child to the magic, fun and beauty of snow!
One winter's night, a snowman comes to life and an unforgettable adventure begins in Raymond Briggs’ timeless classic.
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 $25 covers the cost of providing an Imagination Library book to a child each month for 1 year!
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.
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 2022, Dolly’s childhood literacy program has gifted over 190 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!
On August 9, Dolly visited statewide celebrations of her Imagination Library in Ohio and West Virginia. Capping each appearance with a special musical performance, Dolly wanted to personally congratulate these states on their significant achievements of full statewide coverage, which gives every child under age five in each state the opportunity to enroll in her Imagination Library. The events were broadcast live on YouTube and Facebook, and you can view Dolly’s appearances at the celebrations by watching the replays, now available to stream online.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has been chosen as the recipient of this year's Carle Honors Angel by the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. The 2022 Carle Honors will be awarded at a special benefit gala on Thursday, September 29 in New York City, recognizing individuals and organizations whose creative vision and long-term dedication have had a profound effect on picture books and the vital role they play in arts appreciation and early literacy.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and learning by gifting books to families through funding shared by Dolly and local community partnerships. Fall is 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 fall.
Goldilocks and the Three BearsThe classic tale of Goldilocks comes to life in this enchanting edition, filled with lavish illustrations by Jan Brett.
Counting with Barefoot CrittersJoin a cast of adorable animal characters as they explore numbers and counting in this charming book by Teagan White.
Lion vs RabbitThis hilarious story by Alex Latimer shows that when it comes to outwitting a bully, someone small can truly be more powerful than someone big.
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.
On Tuesday, August 9, Dolly Parton will be traveling the country to visit statewide celebrations of her Imagination Library in Ohio and West Virginia! Join Dolly for two livestream broadcasts as Ohio and West Virginia celebrate full statewide coverage of her Imagination Library and the eligibility of every child under five to enroll!
As the world’s preeminent early childhood book-gifting program, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library mails high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five in partnership with local community affiliates. Children whose parents enroll them in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library receive one new book in the mail each month, at no cost, from birth through age five. Over the course of enrollment, a personal library of as many as 60 books is created, helping form the foundation of a child’s early reading experience.
At 12:00 p.m. EST, tune in to watch Dolly as she joins Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine for a special conversation and brief musical performance to celebrate the success of the Imagination Library in Ohio. The special livestream broadcast will be available to watch simultaneously here on dollyparton.com, livestream.com and the Imagination Library Facebook page.
“It is an incredible honor to host Dolly Parton, and celebrate the success of her book gifting program here in Ohio,” said First Lady Fran DeWine. “Ohio’s Imagination Library is thriving, and we are truly blessed to have so many supporters of the program in every community across our great state. These books are changing the lives of so many children, and preparing them for kindergarten—and life!”
The Imagination Library program was brought statewide to Ohio in 2019, under the guidance of First Lady DeWine. Today, 350,566 children are enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, which means 49% of eligible children between birth to age five years old are enrolled in the program.
At 5:30 p.m. ET, tune in to watch Dolly as she joins West Virginia Governor Jim Justice for a sit-down interview and musical performance to celebrate the statewide expansion of West Virginia’s Imagination Library. The special livestream broadcast will be available to watch simultaneously on West Virginia Public Broadcasting television stations and social media channels, YouTube, as well as dollyparton.com and the Imagination Library Facebook page — and will include a performance by the Appalachian Children’s Chorus, greetings from Gov. Jim Justice, presentations from State Superintendent W. Clayton Burch, and a fireside chat with Marshall University President Brad Smith.
The Imagination Library program in West Virginia is administered through a partnership between Marshall University’s June Harless Center and the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE). Last year, the WVDE announced a major Imagination Library milestone with all 55 counties becoming active in the program. Dolly promised to visit West Virginia once all counties were onboard, making the state one of 11 in the U.S. with the distinction.
Tune in and join Dolly for two livestream broadcasts on August 9, 2022, as we celebrate the statewide success of the Imagination Library in Ohio and West Virginia! For more information on Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, to check availability and register a child, visit imaginationlibrary.com.
Summer has finally arrived, giving families everywhere lots to celebrate! Whether traveling for vacation or just enjoying the simple pleasures found at home, summertime gives us all a chance to make new memories with friends and family, soak up the sunshine and count all of life's blessings. And, when it comes to counting your blessings, Dolly continues to reach new milestones and break new ground!
“Well, right now I have more blessings than I can even count! I’ve always been so proud of my Imagination Library, and now to have over 2 million children getting free books every month, well it's just more than I ever dreamed would happen.”
Dolly’s Imagination Library welcomes summer by celebrating one of its biggest milestones ever! As of June 2022, there are over 2 million children enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. That means the Imagination Library is now gifting over 2 MILLION BOOKS to children around the world each and every month — that’s 1 book every 1.4 seconds! Many thanks to our over 2,800 dedicated local affiliates around the world for helping Imagination Library reach this incredible milestone!
With Dollywood’s status as a top destination in the country for families, there will soon be even more reason for families to come and enjoy a stay in the Smokies, with the 2023 opening of Dollywood’s Heartsong Lodge & Resort, adjacent to Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. On Friday, June 24, Dolly made her first appearance at the Heartsong Lodge & Resort construction site, where she shared her vision for the 302-room resort while also sharing stories about why the Great Smoky Mountains still remain a sought-after respite for her during her hectic schedule. Dolly shared,
"With the new HeartSong Resort opening soon, I’m just thrilled that even more families will get to visit Dollywood and enjoy spending a little time here in the Smoky Mountains."
To top off her appearance, Dolly offered an exclusive look at Suite 1986—Dolly’s former tour bus, which has been turned into the ultimate hotel suite, residing at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa.
To celebrate its 35th season this year, Dolly’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge premiers an all-new thrilling and moving performance segment combining the show’s equestrian stars, breathtaking aerial acrobatics and an original new song from Dolly, titled "Wild Horses." With locations in both Branson, MO and Pigeon Forge, TN, Dolly Parton’s Stampede is an incredible show filled with friendly competition, high-spirited adventure and a four-course family feast.
Buccaneers of all ages are invited to set sail into summer at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge and Myrtle Beach! This incredible adventure features everything from sword fights to a battle for lost treasure, plus a delicious Pirate Feast. Whether you’re visiting with your family, friends or a large group, Pirates Voyage is a top choice for a fun summer adventure!
Recently named Tripadvisor’s number one theme park in the nation, Dollywood kicks off its Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration with new experiences, returning guest favorites and extended summer hours throughout the festival, which runs until August 7. Based on actual reviews left by guests about their time spent in the theme park, Dollywood ranked #1 in the Travelers’ Choice Top 25 Amusement Parks in the United States and #8 on the Travelers’ Choice Top 25 Worldwide Amusement Parks list, reflecting the hard work and dedication that goes into making Dollywood a world-class experience and such a great place for families.
Dollywood’s Splash Country splashes into another summer of fun in the sun, now open for its 22nd season until September 5. Nestled right next to Dollywood, the region’s friendliest and most trusted water park offers a resort-style getaway with an upgraded park experience this summer, including a new zero-depth entry play space, more entertainment and new dining opportunities.
In a highly competitive bidding situation, Sony Pictures has landed the film adaptation of “Run, Rose, Run.” Dolly and James Patterson will produce the feature film alongside Reese Witherspoon, via her Hello Sunshine banner. Dolly will be writing original songs for the big-screen adaptation, in addition to producing and starring in the film, marking the first time she will have a starring role on the big screen since her popular 1992 flick, “Straight Talk.”
Dolly’s highly-anticipated first novel, co-written with best-selling author James Patterson, is now available. Also offered is the companion album, which features 12 original songs by Dolly! The album debuted at #1 on the Current Country Albums, American/Folk and Bluegrass charts, with the novel spending five weeks atop The New York Times Best Seller list — making it the longest-running #1 New York Times Best Seller of the decade and the bestselling novel of the year.
Exclusive “Run, Rose, Run” merchandise, created for Dolly’s latest album and book release, is available now! Each item complements the music and the story as told by Dolly Parton.
As we embark on a new season, take time to celebrate all of the moments, big and small, that make summertime so sweet.
(Blaise Tosti / George Reneau)
Though the sun may be dawning
You’re the one that lights the morning
As I awake to the heaven
Of your sweet summer lovin’
By a stream in the country
Running barefoot and feeling free
While the love in our hearts blend
Into sweet summer lovin’
Love,
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library soars into summer by celebrating significant milestones in early childhood literacy, while inspiring children to love to read with an imaginative selection of summer books!
Dolly’s childhood literacy program has gifted over 184 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 to children, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has reached an amazing milestone which, at one time, seemed like only a dream.
As of June 2022, there are over 2 million children enrolled in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. That means the Imagination Library is now gifting over 2 MILLION BOOKS to children around the world each and every month — that’s 1 book every 1.4 seconds!
This is truly incredible, as after launching in 1995, it took 21 years to reach the milestone of 1 million children enrolled in the program. Now, in only five years and six months, enrollment has doubled, with over 2 million children enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library around the world.
On May 5, Dolly traveled across the country to visit the statewide celebrations of her Imagination Library in Delaware and Arkansas. Capping each appearance with a special musical performance, Dolly arrived in-person to congratulate these states on the significant achievement of full statewide coverage and on the eligibility of every child under five to enroll in her Imagination Library. The events were broadcast live on YouTube and Facebook, and you can catch Dolly’s appearances at the celebrations by watching the replays, now available to stream online.
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.
Blue Sky White StarsFrom the view of the Statue of Library at Ellis Island to civil rights marchers shoulder to shoulder, beautifully rich paintings illustrate American history in "Blue Sky White Stars," written by Sarvinder Naberhaus with illustrations by Kadir Nelson.
Natsumi's Song of SummerThis sweet and gentle picture book, written by Robert Paul Weston and illustrated by Misa Saburi, celebrates summer in Japan, as one little girl shares her love for bugs with her cousin who is visiting from America.
Pass It OnWhen you laugh or smile – pass it on! Here's a heartwarming story about giving, sharing and joy, written and illustrated by Sophy Henn.
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.
