Key Facts
- Program
- Dolly Parton Imagination Library
- Eligibility
- Children from birth to age five
- Books per month
- One free book monthly
- Total books by kindergarten
- 60 books if signed up at birth
- Donation amount
- $20 provides books for a child for one year
- Languages
- English or bilingual English/Spanish
Background
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a non-profit program that mails one free book every month to children from birth to age five. It was created by singer Dolly Parton, who said her father was one of the smartest people she knew but could not read, which inspired her to promote early literacy.
In the Lynchburg area, the program is supported by the United Way of Central Virginia and the Lynchburg City Schools Education Foundation. Christopher Hackman with United Way ensures children in Amherst, Campbell, Appomattox, and Bedford counties can sign up, while Morgan Hall oversees the program for children in Lynchburg.
The program is free to eligible families, funded through local donations and support from the state of Virginia. Books are available in English or bilingual English/Spanish, and children who sign up at birth can receive 60 books by the time they enter kindergarten.
Current Situation
Throughout August, ABC13 is partnering with the United Way and the Lynchburg City Schools Education Foundation to raise money for the Imagination Library. A donation of $20 provides one child with books for an entire year.
Parents like Olivia Anderson, a former teacher, have signed up their children. She reads to her sons daily and says receiving a book in the mail is exciting for them. Children in the Lynchburg area and other communities with existing programs can be signed up today and will begin receiving books usually within six to eight weeks.
Morgan Hall noted that some families are in disbelief that the program costs nothing, thanks to local donations and state support. The goal is to ensure children enter school prepared and have early exposure to reading.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Birth to age five |
| Books per month | 1 |
| Total books by kindergarten | 60 |
| Donation for one year | $20 |
| Languages | English or bilingual English/Spanish |
| Sign-up areas | Lynchburg, Amherst, Campbell, Appomattox, Bedford counties |
Impacts
The program directly benefits children under five in the Lynchburg area and surrounding counties, providing them with free books monthly. This early exposure to reading can help prepare them for school and foster a lifelong love of reading.
Families benefit from building a home library without financial burden. As Hall said, 'It adds up to be quite a bit. They can really get a good library going at home.'
Community support through donations expands the program's reach, allowing more eligible families to participate. Every contribution helps ensure more children have access to quality books during critical early learning years.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If donations continue throughout August, the program may expand its reach to more children in the region. Increased funding could allow more families to sign up and receive books.
If the program maintains its current support, children who enroll at birth could accumulate up to 60 books by kindergarten, potentially improving school readiness. However, the long-term impact depends on sustained community and state funding.
Should funding decrease, the program's ability to offer free books to all eligible families could be affected, though current support from Virginia and local donations helps maintain it. The future outlook remains conditional on continued contributions.
Source: wset.com
