Dolly Parton’s book program expands literacy efforts worldwide
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Following the death of Dolly Parton, the Dollywood Foundation will expand her Imagination Library program to reach more children.
Parton founded the Imagination Library in 1995 to provide free books to children under five years old. Starting as a local effort in Sevier County, Tennessee, the program has since delivered over 330 million books to more than 3 million children across the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
Recently, London doubled the program’s reach within the city, increasing eligibility to 157,000 additional children in 10 of London’s 32 boroughs. The Postcode Lottery funds this expansion, partnering with local organizations to distribute the books. Jeff Conyers, president of the Dollywood Foundation, stated that Parton desired the program to continue growing for future generations. This expansion comes at a time of declining literacy rates.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress found that 33% of eighth graders and 40% of fourth graders in the United States demonstrate “below basic” reading skills. In the U.K., a survey revealed that nearly one-third of preschool children struggle to interact with books traditionally, often attempting to swipe or tap the pages. The Imagination Library’s research suggests the program encourages children’s interest in reading and may improve literacy skills compared to those not enrolled.
