“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” ~Dolly Parton

If you are looking for that last minute gift for the smallest people in your life, sign them up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. Children will receive one book a month until the month of their 5th birthday. Here is a little history behind the formation and success of this amazing book program:

In 1995, Dolly launched her Imagination Library program to distribute books to the children of Sevier County, Tennessee where she grew up. To her surprise, the program grew quickly! Her dream of supplying a love of reading to the youngest readers had come true. The program was so successful that it grew into a national campaign in 2000. As of 2020, the Imagination Library has gifted at least 150 million books to children all around the globe.

Since 2002, Dolly has supported the inclusion of diverse communities into the program, such as the Native American community. Her father told her before he passed away that the Imagination Library was her most important achievement. She felt so honored by his words. “I created the Imagination Library as a tribute to my daddy”, reads a letter on Dolly’s Imagination Library website. Her father was considered a very smart man, but he never learned how to read. Thanks to Dolly’s kind heart, she’s giving that ability to any child who lives in an area where the Imagination Library is available.

Floyd County participates in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Anyone in your household under the age of 5 is eligible to receive a book each month from the Imagination Library. To sign up, visit the Children’s Library page on the Floyd County Library website. Or, you can come to the library and pick up a paper form to fill out and mail in yourself to begin receiving books!

I hope this will help you complete your Christmas gift ideas! Happy Holidays!