How Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Inspires Children to Read

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.