“You can never get enough books into the hands of enough children.” - Dolly Parton.

It all started with a simple text about volunteer opportunities in Lincoln. The reply? “I would, but I’m neck-deep into finding a way to start the Imagination Library here...” I was instantly intrigued. Our oldest daughter had received Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library books before we moved, and we were disappointed the program wasn’t offered in Lincoln. My friend Gwen felt the same and had taken it upon herself to bring the program to our community.

Dolly Parton, celebrated for her iconic music career, is also a dedicated philanthropist. The Imagination Library, founded nearly 30 years ago in honor of her father, who could not read or write, provides millions of children worldwide with high-quality books. Children receive a book delivered in their name each month until their 5th birthday. Books in the home foster academic, social, and emotional development, while reading together helps children form special bonds with their parents and caregivers. The Imagination Library offers local communities a scalable and cost-effective way to enhance literacy at home for all children, regardless of financial situation.

The idea quickly gained momentum with the formation of a volunteer partnership with Linked2Literacy (L2L), a non-profit perfectly aligned with the Imagination Library’s mission to foster a love of books and reading in young children. Driven by a shared passion for early childhood literacy, we formed the “Dreaming of Dolly” committee. While the Dollywood Foundation manages book curation, manufacturing, and mailing, local partners must raise $26 per child annually to cover the costs. We contacted local businesses, schools, and civic organizations to share our vision and rally support. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with people eager to contribute through donations, volunteering, enrolling interested families, or simply spreading the word.

L2L launched the Imagination Library in Lincoln in August 2023. One year later, with strong community support, over 19,000 children under five in Lancaster County can receive free books. More than 3,300 children are enrolled, and nearly 13,000 books have been delivered. As awareness grows, so will the cost of maintaining the program. What began as an effort to provide books has evolved into a community-building project, fostering connections and helping every child thrive. Together we are making a difference, one book at a time.

In a recent opening of a statewide initiative in Kentucky, Dolly noted: "Of course, I want to be known as a songwriter and a singer, but I honestly can say that the Imagination Library has meant as much, if not more, to me than nearly anything that I've ever done." Eventually, she wants to see the program in every state. While there is a presence in all of them, 21 have legislation ensuring all kids under five can enroll.

Special thanks to Gwen, who saw the vision and was brave enough to begin somewhere; to Dreaming of Dolly committee members Kendall, Megan, Nichole, Deb, Sandi, Chelsea, Allison, and Micaela for embracing this cause as their own; and to the board of Linked2Literacy for their partnership and support. 

Interested in helping? Join us at www.linked2literacy.org. 

Enrollment is easy- visit www.imaginationlibrary.com today!