Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation highlights the statewide partnership behind Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and calls on Tennesseans to support the program in their own communities
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In the days following the passing of Dolly Parton, Tennesseans have reflected on the countless ways her generosity changed lives. In homes across the state, one part of her legacy continues every day as children open books delivered especially for them through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Since 2004, more than 60 million Imagination Library books have been delivered to Tennessee children, helping generations of families build home libraries and make reading part of everyday life. Today, approximately 270,000 Tennessee children are enrolled and receive a high-quality, age-appropriate book in the mail each month at no cost to their families.
Dolly launched the Imagination Library in Sevier County in 1995, inspired by her father’s inability to read and write and a simple but powerful idea: give young children books of their own and inspire them to dream more, learn more, care more and be more.
Tennessee would go on to play a historic role in the program’s growth. Founded in 2004 by former Governor Phil Bredesen, Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation helped expand Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to all 95 Tennessee counties, making Tennessee the first state in the nation to offer the program statewide. That first-in-the-nation public-private partnership helped pave the way for similar models across the country. Over the past two decades, GELF has built on that foundation, expanding its work to serve Tennessee children from birth through third grade and create more opportunities to read and learn at home, in the classroom and throughout their communities.
“Dolly showed us what is possible when you put a book in a child’s hands and believe in what is possible for them,” said James Pond, President & CEO of Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation. “More than 60 million books later, generations of Tennessee children have grown up with books in their homes because of that simple idea. One of the most meaningful ways we can honor Dolly is to keep reading with our children and keep investing in this partnership so it can reach Tennessee families for generations to come.”
How the Partnership Works in Tennessee
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is available to all Tennessee children from birth to age five through a unique public-private partnership between the Dollywood Foundation, GELF, the State of Tennessee and local program partners in all 95 counties.
The Dollywood Foundation provides the program infrastructure, coordinating book selection, purchasing and fulfillment. With financial support from the State of Tennessee, GELF funds 50% of book and mailing costs statewide and provides local program partners with resources and support to strengthen the program in their communities. Local program partners raise the remaining 50% in their communities, enroll children and build local awareness of the program.
Together, the partnership makes it possible for children to receive books each month at no cost to their families.
“The strength of the Tennessee model has always been its partnership,” Pond said. “It takes all of us to put books into the hands and homes of Tennessee children. Our local program partners are essential to this work, and every gift made in a community helps sustain the Imagination Library for the children and families who call that community home.”
Honor Dolly’s Legacy by Supporting Children in Your Community
Tennesseans can honor Dolly’s extraordinary legacy of inspiring a love of reading and continue her impact on children and families across the state: · Give. Donate to help provide books to children across Tennessee and support the continued success of Imagination Library in communities statewide. · Enroll a child. Eligible Tennessee children from birth to age five can receive a high-quality, age-appropriate book in the mail each month at no cost to their families. · Read together. Share the joy of reading with a child and discover more ways to support literacy across Tennessee.
About GELF
Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to strengthen early literacy in Tennessee by building home libraries and fostering literacy-rich communities. GELF’s Home Library work delivers books and resources directly to families and educators through programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, K–3 Home Library, OWL Fest, and Tenn Under 10. GELF’s Community Through Literacy work brings reading beyond the classroom through Storybook Trails, Book Buses, and SELECT, a statewide network uniting partners to expand literacy access and impact. Founded in 2004 by former Governor Phil Bredesen, GELF champions early literacy as the foundation for lifelong learning and success. Learn more at www.GovernorsFoundation.org.
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