Congratulations To The Imagination Library On 100 Millionth Book Milestone
March 9, 2018
We are excited to join in the celebration of the 100 Millionth Book Milestone with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library!
From its infancy in Sevier County, TN, to mailing over one million free books a month, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has inspired millions of children around the world to love reading. On Feb. 27, Dolly Parton dedicated her Imagination Library’s 100 Millionth Book to the Library of Congress collection. The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library.
We wanted to share in this celebration and say congratulations to the Imagination Library on Reaching the 100 Millionth Book Milestone. It is a true testament to the dedication of many, many people who work to “put more books in the hands of more children.” About the honor, Dolly said,
“I always like to say that 100 million books have led to 100 million stories. I am so honored that our little program has now grown to such a point that we can partner with the Library of Congress to bring even more stories to children across the country.”
Book Dedication
Fittingly, the 100 Millionth Book from the Imagination Library is Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors.” Written by Dolly, the book is an adaptation of her iconic song of the same name. Both the book and the song encourage children—and adults—to look past superficial appearances to the true heart of an individual. Much like the amazing legacy of her Imagination Library, Dolly used her humble childhood upbringing as motivation for a career of accomplishments that are without equal.
In addition to the extraordinary moment for Dolly, the Imagination Library and Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced a monthly reading program for young readers at the Library of Congress.
“Dolly Parton’s work through her Imagination Library is awe-inspiring,” Hayden said. “They have counted the number of books given away – 100 million, but there is no way to truly quantify the impact this program has had on developing young readers across America and in other parts of the world. This is an extraordinary gift to humankind. The Library of Congress shares this passion for developing young readers and I am so pleased to announce these cooperative programs, which will provide an opportunity for children anywhere to connect with a fun, engaging reading experience.”
Story Time Events For Young Readers
From March to August, the library will host story time in the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building the last Friday of each month. Each story time will feature the reading of a book for readers up to age five, music and special guests. The programs also will be livestreamed so children and parents anywhere with an internet connection can join the fun. The Library of Congress, the largest library in the world, has more than 160 million items catalogued.
The story times will take place the last Friday of each month for six months in March through August at 10:30 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street SE. The events are free and open to the public. No tickets are required.
The programs will also be livestreamed on the Library’s Facebook page and YouTube (with captions).
Proud Partner
The Imagination Library, which now distributes one million books every month, mails free books to children from birth to age five in participating communities within the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a proud partner of the Imagination Library in both Branson, MO and Pigeon Forge, TN.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Branson serves as the local affiliate to Stone and Taney Counties, MO. There, the program currently sends free books to 2,480 registered children each month. In Sevier County, TN, where Dolly originally launched the program, The Dollywood Foundation serves as the local affiliate and oversees the entire program while Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge serves as an annual contributor and community supporter.
Visit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library In Stone & Taney, MO
If you are a parent or caregiver of a child under age five, find out if this free book gifting program is available in your community by visiting the Imagination Library’s Check Availability page.
Pictured Above: Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, Dolly Parton, President of the Dollywood Foundation, David Dotson
