Dolly Parton's Legacy Lives On

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library will continue to send free books to eligible children, with over 300 million books distributed worldwide since its founding in 1995. The program, which aims to instill a love of reading in children from birth to age 5, has expanded to five countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and Ireland.

The Imagination Library was founded by Dolly Parton in 1995 to honor her father, who never learned to read or write. The program has had a significant impact on families and children's literacy rates, with over 300 million free books distributed worldwide. By the time a child finishes the program, they have received 60 books.

The program sends one free book a month to children from birth to age 5, with the books selected based on the child's age and personalized with the child's name. The Dollywood Foundation covers some costs and negotiates book pricing for the Imagination Library, while local partners help pay for mailing costs and the books themselves.

The Imagination Library has become a beloved tradition for many families, with children looking forward to receiving their new book each month. For 3-year-old Simon Dockery, a trip to the mailbox can mean a new adventure, as he and his younger brother, 11-month-old Samuel, receive books from the Imagination Library every month.

## Why it matters The continuation of the Imagination Library is significant, as it will continue to provide access to free books for eligible children, promoting a love of reading and improving literacy rates. The program's impact is evident in the stories of families who have benefited from it, such as the Dockery family, who have made reading a family tradition thanks to the Imagination Library.

The Imagination Library will continue to send books to eligible children despite Dolly Parton's passing, ensuring that her legacy lives on through the joy of reading. With its expansion to five countries and distribution of over 300 million free books worldwide, the Imagination Library has made a significant contribution to promoting literacy and a love of reading in children.

## What happens next The Imagination Library will continue to operate, with the Dollywood Foundation and local partners working together to ensure that eligible children continue to receive free books every month. As the program continues to grow and expand, it is likely to have an even greater impact on families and children's literacy rates, promoting a love of reading and improving access to books for children around the world.