Honoring Dolly Parton’s Legacy

For 31 years, Dolly Parton put her belief in the power of books into action, changing the world, one child at a time, with a simple but powerful declaration: ‘You can never get enough books in the hands of enough children.’

What began as a local effort in Dolly’s hometown has grown into an international movement. Today, over 3 million children are registered for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library across five countries, and more than 300 million books are mailed to children every month.

In Arkansas alone, 7.2 million books have reached over 300,000 children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. As the statewide partner for the program in Arkansas, we are honored to help carry Dolly’s legacy forward.

The true impact, though, is measured in more than books mailed. It is found in every child who sees their name on a package, discovers a new favorite story, builds a home library, and shares the joy of reading with someone they love.

Honoring Dolly’s Legacy Through Action

Dolly believed every child should know the joy of books. We can honor her legacy by carrying that work forward. Here’s how you can help:

Give the gift of books.

The Parton family has asked that memorial gifts support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

If you would like to support the Imagination Library here in Arkansas, you may donate directly to Arkansas Imagination Library at ArkansasImaginationLibrary.org/give. Just $31 provides one child with a full year of books, laying the groundwork for kindergarten readiness and lifelong learning. Donations may be designated to support children in a specific Arkansas county.

Pay tribute online.

Dolly’s fans and friends are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media or by leaving a message on Dolly’s website. If you are a parent with a child enrolled in the program, please share a testimonial.

Read together.

Open an Imagination Library book and read with a child. Make story time part of your family’s routine and help build a lifelong love of reading.

Help us reach every eligible child.

Almost 86,000 children in Arkansas are enrolled, but approximately 94,280 eligible children have yet to join the program. Help us spread the word and connect families with free books from birth to age five. Enroll a child now.

Share Dolly’s dream.

Write an article, create a social media post, visit a pediatrician, childcare provider, or community organization, and talk about Imagination Library. The more people who know, the more children we can reach and the funding to support them!