For Dara Martin and her children in Batesville, Arkansas (Independence County), the monthly arrival of an Imagination Library book was more than just “happy mail”—it was a lifeline to laughter, connection, and comfort during both joyful and challenging times.
A single mom of two—her son now grown and her daughter Brooklyn recently graduated from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library—Dara knows firsthand how meaningful access to books can be for families with limited resources. “When my son was little, I’d go to every school event that gave out free books or snacks. There were times I didn’t know how I’d pay the bills, let alone buy toys. But if we had books, we had something we could share—something I could use to teach my kids and spend time with them.”
Dara first learned about the Imagination Library during a visit to the health department years ago, where a life-size cardboard cutout of Dolly caught her eye. “I knew I wanted to sign my kids up. I saw it as a way to build memories and teach them to read, even when money was tight.”
Both of her children began receiving Imagination Library books around age two. Over the years, the books became a source of comfort and joy. “They’ve helped us talk about big feelings and situations,” Dara explains. “We’ve laughed so hard reading My Lucky Day, and we’ve shared hugs and tears with The Kissing Hand before school.”
Brooklyn’s favorite books were always the ones with colorful illustrations—unicorns, donuts, anything bright and imaginative that sparked curiosity. Dara recalls how Brooklyn would take her newest book to preschool to share with her classmates. “Some teachers embraced it, others didn’t, but I think it’s so important. For some of those kids, it might be the only book they see all week.”
The Imagination Library didn’t just support learning—it also helped Dara teach kindness and community. After noticing the lack of children’s books in their local UAMS clinic waiting room, Brooklyn suggested donating some of their gently used books. “She wanted other kids to have something to read while they waited. That moment made me so proud.”
Dara is also passionate about making the program more accessible: “I’d love to see more flyers in clinics and schools, maybe QR codes for easy sign-up or a contact person in each county who can help parents who aren’t tech-savvy or face language barriers. There are so many parents who want this for their kids but don’t know how to get started.”
Her advice to others? “Don’t give up. I had a hard time enrolling Brooklyn, but I kept reaching out—commenting on Facebook and messaging. Eventually, two amazing women, Brooke and Melinda Light, helped me get her enrolled and even gave us extra books to catch up on the ones we missed. I’ll never forget their kindness.”
Now that Brooklyn has graduated from the program, Dara feels a deep sense of gratitude—and a bit of heartache. “I love this program, and I’m sad our time is over. But I’m so thankful to Dolly for starting it. These books are more than stories—they’re tools to grow closer, learn more, and see the world in new ways. For families like mine, they’ve been a gift beyond measure.”