Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

I’m spending the week in Nashville for the Publica Library Association (PLA) Conference. This conference focuses on trends and issues facing public librarians and moves around the country every other year. I’ve never been to Nashville, so I’m excited to explore the Music City. I’m going to be really busy with conference programs, but I’m hoping to get to a few places. The country music scene inspired today’s post on Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write Dolly started her Imagination Library in 1995 for the children within her home county. Today, her program spans four countries and mails over 1 million free books each month to children around the world.” (Imagination Library website)

My niece and nephew receive two of the 1,000,000,000 books that are mailed out every month. The United Way administers the Imagination Library where they live. From the day they were born, they have received a new book every month. And they will continue to get new books until they turn five years old. This is such an amazing way to provide early literacy to children around the world.

I love seeing someone with so much influence making a positive change in the world with a cause that is near and dear to my heart. Dolly Parton is not only a huge country western musician but a philanthropist in more ways than just early literacy. Dolly Parton is a force to be reckoned with. And one that I appreciate is on the side of access to books for all kids!

To learn more about the program and if families in your area are eligible, check out the Imagination Library’s website. To learn more about early literacy, check out my post on storytime and the effects of reading aloud to kids.