Dolly Parton has truly enriched our world with her incredible contributions, from the beloved classic “Jolene” to her significant role in delivering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. However, perhaps her most cherished achievement is the Imagination Library, a heartfelt initiative that honors her father's legacy.
In a moving letter to the organization, Dolly reflected on her father's words before he passed away, stating that he believed the Imagination Library was “probably the most important thing I had ever done.” This initiative was born from her desire to ensure that every child has access to the joy of reading, a passion inspired by her father's struggles with literacy. She poignantly shared, “He was the smartest man I have ever known, but I know in my heart his inability to read probably kept him from fulfilling all of his dreams.”
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Imagination Library has blossomed into a remarkable program through The Dollywood Foundation, fulfilling Dolly's vision that “every child, regardless of income, would have access to books.” Each month, around 3 million children across the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom receive a free book in the mail. By February 2025, the program had successfully distributed over 270 million books, fostering a love for reading in young hearts.
The Imagination Library collaborates with local governments, libraries, and schools to maximize its reach and impact. For instance, earlier this year, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order to expand the program, ensuring that every child from birth to age 5 in the state can receive free monthly books at home. Governor Grisham stated, “Today, we’re unlocking the potential of our youngest minds and transforming the future of New Mexico one book at a time.” She emphasized that “every New Mexican child deserves the chance to grow up with books in their home and stories in their hands.”
New Mexico proudly joins 12 other states offering this wonderful program to every child aged 5 and under, with 10 additional states working towards similar initiatives. The Imagination Library manages the logistics, including a central database, book order system, and monthly mailings, ensuring that approximately one in seven children under five in the United States eagerly awaits their next book delivery.
Reflecting on the program's growth, Dolly remarked, “In the beginning, my hope was simply to inspire the children in my home county, but here we are today with a worldwide program that gives a book a month to well over 3 million children.” She recognized the dedication of local organizations that have embraced her dream, stating, “The real heroes of our story are the thousands of local organizations who have embraced my dream and made it their own.”
Over the years, The Dollywood Foundation has also engaged in research to understand the positive effects of these efforts. Findings indicate that the Imagination Library is immensely popular and shows promise in enhancing home literacy environments, children's attitudes towards reading, and early literacy skills. Studies reveal that access to books not only nurtures young minds but also empowers parents to gain confidence in their reading abilities, especially when reading together with their children.
The personalized nature of the books adds to the excitement for the children, who eagerly anticipate their new arrivals, each addressed just for them. This profound impact fuels Dolly's passion for the initiative. She concluded her letter with a hopeful message: “It’s been quite a journey, but we have so much more left to do. Let’s share this dream that all children should grow up in a home full of books.”
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a shining example of how one person's vision can spark joy and transform lives, reminding us all of the power of literacy and the importance of investing in our children's futures.
