To celebrate this global 200 million book milestone, seven enchanting Dolly bookmarks will be randomly hidden inside Imagination Library books gifted during International Literacy Month (September) to children/families currently enrolled in the program. (Children must be enrolled by July 31, 2023 to receive Imagination Library books in September). Seven random children/families in five countries who find the Dolly bookmarks in their Imagination Library books will receive, if they choose, a video chat with Dolly, a personalized signed letter from Dolly, an autographed photo from Dolly, and four Dollywood Theme Park tickets.

 

The Dollywood Foundation will also donate $2000 on behalf of the child to their Local Imagination Library Partner in their community as a thank you to who Dolly calls the true heroes of her program.

 

Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write, Dolly started the Imagination Library in 1995 to serve the children of her hometown in Sevier County, Tennessee. Today, her program spans five countries and gifts over 2.4 million free, high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to children around the world. There is never a charge to families who participate in the program and it is open to all children under the age of five in geographic areas with operating programs.

The Chaffee County program of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is made possible because of many generous donations and grants. Since this outstanding program was launched locally eight years ago, over 1,700 local children have received over 48,000 books! The feedback from our local families has shown the value of this program. One parent shared with us, “I cannot emphasize enough how incredible this program is for my family and our community! My kids love receiving books every month and they are some of their favorites often read over and over.

 

Thank you for all that make this possible!” Another parent said, “This program has provided books that our son is very drawn to. He brings books to everyone to read and enjoys books. I believe the exposure to reading at a young age has helped grow his imagination and curiosity. I also enjoy the bonding that come from reading books that he picks out.”

 

Participating in 200 Million Reasons to Celebrate is voluntary and does not affect enrollment in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. All children under five years of age who are actively enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library by July 31, 2023, can participate. To learn more, visit www.imaginationlibrary.com/200-million-books.