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Dolly Parton’s legacy of helping kids learn to love reading will impact generations to come
ASHLAND, Neb. —
Dolly Parton is known for many things, but her biggest impact is putting books in the hands of millions of kids. Parton’s legacy of helping kids learn to love reading will last for decades beyond her death.
Parton started Imagination Library in 1995, and the organization has gifted kids over 330 million books.
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She was inspired to start Imagination Library by her father’s inability to read and write. Since then, she has opened millions of kids’ eyes to the world of reading.
“Each kid that is enrolled from ages 0 to 5 gets one free book every month delivered to their door,” Caitlin Henry, the Ashland Public Library assistant director, said.
READ MORE: Legendary country music artist Dolly Parton dies at 80
Imagination Libraries’ website said over three million kids across five countries receive books every month.
“We currently have 186 children in our area signed up to get those books every month, and it’s just been a huge thing for these families,” Henry said.
The effects of Parton’s legacy can be seen here in Ashland.
“Dolly Parton brings books to kids. I would get long books and short books and small books,” Luca King, a 5-year-old from Ashland, said.
King knows Parton as the book fairy.
“I think just having that extra like, oh my gosh, reading is fun. Like, I get to check the mailbox, and there’s a new surprise here. Like, that’s so awesome,” Andrea King, Luca’s mom, said.
ADDITIONAL COVERAGE: Notable figures react to music legend Dolly Parton’s death
Luca’s mom said her son’s love for reading skyrocketed from Parton’s program.
“I hope people are encouraged now to use this program if they hadn’t heard of it before. And we continue to keep building libraries for kids,” Andrea King said.
Even though she is gone, Parton’s impact will be left on generations to come.
“It is such an amazing legacy that she was able to offer to kids really all over the world,” Henry said.
Not all areas are eligible for the program; to participate, libraries or organizations must have a sponsor or someone to cover the cost of the books.
You can visit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Website to check if you live in an eligible area and to sign up for the program.
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