Dolly Parton's philanthropic legacy will endure beyond her music career, as her Imagination Library program is set to keep delivering free books to children across the U.S. and four other nations, a spokesperson for the Dollywood Company confirmed to Nexstar. The program, which launched in 1995 in Parton's home county of Sevier County, Tennessee, has expanded dramatically and now reaches one in six American children under the age of five.
The Imagination Library's commitment to mailing free, age-appropriate books to eligible children will not waver following Parton's death, the spokesperson said. Families enrolled in the program receive one high-quality book each month, with all costs covered regardless of household income.
Who qualifies for the Imagination Library?
Children are eligible from birth until their fifth birthday. The program fully subsidizes both the books and postage, eliminating financial barriers for families. To participate, families must live in an area where the Imagination Library has an active local partner organization, as the program relies on community partnerships to distribute books.
How to sign up for free books
Parents and guardians can check availability by entering their ZIP code on the Imagination Library's official website. If the program operates in their district, they can register online, often being redirected to their local library's website to complete the enrollment process.
The Dollywood Company has encouraged donations to the Imagination Library as a way to honor the late singer, who died Tuesday at the age of 80. Parton's family announced her passing, prompting tributes from fans and leaders alike, including a presidential order for flags to fly at half-staff.
Parton's vision for the program was rooted in her own childhood in East Tennessee. "When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your community with their own dreams," she once said, according to the Imagination Library website. "They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world."
The continuation of the Imagination Library ensures that Parton's impact on early childhood literacy will persist, even as the country mourns the loss of a cultural icon. The program's expansion has been a point of pride for the Dollywood Company, which has pledged to maintain operations in all participating regions.
For families interested in enrolling, the process is straightforward: verify local availability, complete the registration, and begin receiving a new book each month. The program's longevity is a testament to Parton's dedication to fostering a love of reading among the youngest generation.
