How Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Inspires Children to Read
The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.
1. Elkmont Trollbridge
Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.
2. House Of The Fairies
This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells.
3. Synchronous Fireflies
The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.
4. Elkmont Ghost Town
Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.
There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.
Dolly Parton is a legend in many ways. She is a singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and a role model for millions of people. But did you know that she is also a champion of literacy and education? In this blog post, we will explore how Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that provides free books to children from birth to age five, has made a positive impact on the lives of countless families around the world.
The Origin of the Imagination Library
Dolly Parton grew up in a poor rural family in Sevierville, Tennessee, where she learned to love reading and storytelling from her mother and grandmother. She credits her father, who was illiterate, as the inspiration for her passion for literacy. She once said, “My daddy couldn’t read and write, and that always troubled and bothered him, so I wanted to do something special for him.”
In 1996, she launched the Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library, a program that aims to foster a love of reading among children in her hometown. The program allows every child in the Sevier County area to receive a free, age-appropriate book each month in the mail until they turn five years old. Dolly’s vision was to create a generation of lifelong learners who would have access to books regardless of their economic background.
The Expansion of the Imagination Library
The Imagination Library was such a success that it soon attracted the attention of other communities who wanted to replicate the model. Dolly decided to make the program available to any community that was willing to partner with her foundation and cover the cost of the books and mailing. The foundation would provide the administrative support, the book selection, and the quality control.
Since then, the Imagination Library has grown exponentially, reaching over 1600 local communities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. As of December 2020, the program has distributed over 150 million books to more than 1.7 million children. The books are carefully chosen by a panel of experts to reflect the diverse needs and interests of the children, and to promote themes such as self-esteem, family, and community.
The Impact of the Imagination Library
The Imagination Library has not only enriched the lives of the children who receive the books, but also their parents, caregivers, and educators. Research has shown that the program has increased the frequency and quality of parent-child interactions, improved the children’s readiness for kindergarten, enhanced their vocabulary and comprehension skills, and boosted their confidence and curiosity. The program has also created a culture of reading and learning in the communities that participate, fostering social connections and civic engagement.
The Invitation to Join the Imagination Library
If you are inspired by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and want to join the movement, you can visit the official website to find out if the program is available in your area, or how you can start one in your community. You can also donate to the program, volunteer your time, or spread the word to your friends and family.
We hope you enjoyed learning about this amazing program that has touched the hearts and minds of so many children and adults. We also hope that you will visit us here in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, or Gatlinburg, where you can experience the beauty and charm of the Smoky Mountains, and the fun and excitement of Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s theme park. And while you’re here, why not find a cozy and comfortable southern home to stay in that’s right for you and your family at Bear Camp Cabins? We have a variety of cabins to suit your needs and preferences, from rustic to luxurious, from secluded to convenient. Contact us today and let us help you plan your perfect Smoky Mountain getaway.
