The worldwide literacy program that many have called “the little program that could” continues to receive praise and recognition for its role in shaping the future for millions of children around the world. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library received one of the highest literacy honors from the Library of Congress on International Literacy Day for the work it does to instill a love of reading in kids.
The Library of Congress awarded the Imagination Library, an initiative of The Dollywood Foundation, with the $150,000 David M. Rubenstein Prize for its work in delivering more than 160 million books to children around the world. The Imagination Library continues to race at an ever-accelerating pace, now providing 1.8 million high-quality, age appropriate books each month to children birth to age five around the world. Dolly herself visited the Library of Congress on February 28, 2018, to enshrine the program’s 100 millionth book, fittingly a copy of “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors,” which is an adaptation of her iconic song of the same name.
According to a release from the Library of Congress, “Since 2014 when the Imagination Library received ‘best practice’ recognition from the Library of Congress Literacy Awards, the Dollywood Foundation has strategically positioned the Imagination Library for aggressive growth…Although mailing the books to each child’s home is only one aspect of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, it is a remarkable feat that helps improve literacy on an international scale and creates special moments for children and families.”
The prize award is named in honor of David M. Rubenstein, the co-founder and co-executive chairman of The Carlyle Group. Rubenstein is a major benefactor of the Library of Congress and is the chairman of the Library’s lead donor group, the James Madison Council. Dollywood Foundation President Jeff Conyers said,
“We are grateful to win what truly is the most prestigious award from the Library of Congress. This award showcases how the dream Dolly had years ago has become one of the world’s largest book gifting programs. She continues to express her pride in what the Imagination Library has become, and she is excited for the growth it is poised to experience moving forward. There is no doubt Dolly treasures being called ‘The Book Lady’ more than just about anything.”
The United Nations General Assembly designates a number of “international days” to mark important aspects of human life and history, including International Literacy Day on September 8. For more information on International Literacy Day, visit en.unesco.org/commemorations/literacyday.
You can 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 February 27, Dolly dedicated her Imagination Library's 100 Millionth Book to the Library of Congress. We sat down to talk with her about that moment, the amazing program affiliates who help make it all possible and her thoughts on the future of the program.
Dolly spoke about the dedication of the special 100 Millionth Book - “Coat of Many Colors” and how this milestone is not only a celebration of the program but also a celebration of her mother and father.
Dolly also wanted to give credit to the thousands of program affiliates around the world that help make this all possible. Many don't know but it actually takes local affiliate organizations to help administer and fund the Imagination Library within their communities. Dolly understands clearly that they deserve equal thanks for making this amazing milestone possible.
Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has celebrated many milestones. Reaching the 100 Millionth Book Milestone is a true testament to the dedication of many, many people who work to “put more books in the hands of more children.” We asked Dolly about where she saw the Imagination Library going in the future.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free books to children from birth until they begin school in participating communities within Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States. Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write, Dolly Parton started her Imagination Library in 1995 for the children within her home county. Today, the program has mailed over 100 million books to children around the world.
Today Dolly Parton joined Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden for the dedication of her Imagination Library’s 100 Millionth Book to the Library of Congress collection. Dolly dedicated a special edition of her book, “Coat of Many Colors” to the world’s largest library. This honor is a monumental milestone for the program now its 22nd year. Dolly said,
“I always like to say that 100 million books have led to 100 million stories. I am so honored that our little program has now grown to such a point that we can partner with the Library of Congress to bring even more stories to children across the country.”
From its infancy in Sevier County, Tennessee, to the largest children’s literacy program in the world, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has inspired millions of children around the globe to love reading. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said,
“Dolly Parton’s work through her Imagination Library is awe-inspiring. They have counted the number of books given away – 100 million, but there is no way to truly quantify the impact this program has had on developing young readers across America and in other parts of the world. This is an extraordinary gift to humankind.”
The two also announced a new Library of Congress story time for young readers. On the last Friday of each month starting in March and running through August a special story time will be held at the Library of Congress. The Library will host story time in the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building. These events will be live streamed so children and parents can join the fun online. Each story time will feature a reading of a book for readers up to age 5, music and special guests. Hayden commented,
“The Library of Congress shares this passion for developing young readers and I am so pleased to announce these cooperative programs, which will provide an opportunity for children anywhere to connect with a fun, engaging reading experience.”
The story times will take place the last Friday of each month for six months in March through August at 10:30 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street SE. The events are free and open to the public. No tickets are required. The programs will also be live streamed on the Library’s Facebook page and its YouTube channel (with captions).
[masterslider id="103"]
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States—and extensive materials from around the world—both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov, access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.
On Feb. 27, Dolly Parton will join Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden for a very special presentation of the Imagination Library’s 100 Millionth Book to the Library of Congress collection. The program will begin at 10 a.m. and will be streamed live on both Youtube and Facebook. Viewers can also expect to hear about an exciting collaboration between Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and the Library of Congress.
The Book Lady is all set for her trip to the nation's capital. Of her many successes, awards and personal achievements, this day will be one Dolly will treasure forever alongside many of the people who help make the Imagination Library possible. The once small program inspired by Dolly's father will now have its own place in the world's largest library. Dolly said,
“I'm really looking forward to presenting my Imagination Library's 100 Millionth Book to the Library of Congress. It's a big honor and one that I'm so very proud to share with the many special partners and local affiliates who have helped make this day possible. Together we can all Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More.”
Since launching in 1996, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has celebrated many milestones. Some of which include mailing the 25 millionth book (2010), Best Practices award from the Library of Congress Literacy Awards (2014) and the 1 Million A Month Milestone (2016). The excitement around this next accomplishment has been building for months as the program prepares to mail it's 100 millionth book. Reaching the 100 Millionth Book Milestone is a true testament to the dedication of many, many people who work to "put more books in the hands of more children."
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States—and extensive materials from around the world—both on site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov, access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.
On April 14, 2004, Dolly received the Living Legend Medal from the Library of Congress, its most prestigious award given to people who have made significant contributions to America’s cultural, scientific and social heritage.
Librarian of Congress James H. Billington presented the award to Dolly at a special ceremony in Washington D.C. Billington said of Dolly at the ceremony,
"Dolly Parton has made an indelible mark on pop culture. Her contributions to crossover music, her ability to give voice to women's issues and the retention of her early Appalachian roots all stand as tribute to the artistry, heart and soul that Dolly brings to all she does."
