Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Blog

Dolly & Anderson Cooper discuss Imagination Library

2012-01-19T11:07:00.001-05:00

video platform video management video solutions video player

Let’s Make a Joyful Noise for Dolly

2012-01-06T17:53:00.000-05:00

Dolly Parton set tostar in latest Warner Bros. release

PIGEON FORGE, TN – After nearly 20 years away from thesilver screen, Dolly Parton has returned to theatres in the upcoming release ofJoyful Noise. The film, Parton’sfirst since 1992, is an uplifting tale of two rivals who come together withfaith and determination to overcome great odds to make it all the way to anational choir competition.

Dolly Parton Joyful Noise - Photo by Van Redin courtesy of Warner Bros

Located in Pacashau, Georgia, the struggling town looks tostay afloat during an economic recession. The choir has to overcome a powerstruggle between its two most talented singers while bringing in new members torejuvenate the choir – and their town. The film promises to be a positivechoice for moviegoers as it features plenty of gospel music and humor as thecharacters deal with issues of faith, family, and community.

In a recent interview, Parton said that shewas happy to be part of a film such as this, “Somebody asked me, 'Why did youdo this?' I said, 'How could I not?' [Parton’s character] is so much of who Ireally am: my faith, my personality, my wit, and my love for people, family,community.”

The country music legend also told TheBoot.com she wascomfortable with the movie’s meaning, “I wouldn't do something that was justtotally offensive to my fan base. I own a family theme park and I have theImagination Library books for children programs, so I wouldn't want to dosomething that is just god-awful raunchy!”

Click to download this awesome Dolly Parton - Joyful Noise wallpaper .

Playing Parton’s rival is co-star Queen Latifah. The twoclaim to have never worked together, but on-screen chemistry and off-camerajokes make the duo appear like long-time friends. “I love her!” said Parton of working with Latifah,“we’re completely different people but we’re the same in the fact that we knowwho we are and we’re very strong.”

Parton not only showcased her acting skills, but also whatshe’s most notable for – her musical talents. Dolly’s unmistakable voice isfeatured several times during the almost 2 hour movie, but what fans may notknow is she wrote three songs specifically for this movie as well.

The movie is the third feature release by director Todd Graff. Joyful Noise hits theatresnationwide January 13^th, 2012.

For movie times and to check out the official Joyful Noise Movie Trailers click here to visit iTunes.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has mailed over 40,000,000 free books to children in the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom. For more information on starting a program in your area or to register your child for free books, visit us online at Imagination Library.com.

Press Release by J. French - S.D. Professionals, LLC Bringing Life To Imagination™.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Finding New Audience on Social Network

2011-12-18T14:18:00.000-05:00

PIGEON FORGE, TN – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has long been using social networks to create an audience for means of spreading awareness, but they have never had a viewership like this. The Imagination Library, chosen by Google for Nonprofits as a feature charity for December, is gaining extra attention on blogs and the new social network, Google+ pages for Nonprofits.
As part of their #CauseILoveEm campaign, Google is encouraging users to share their favorite charity with others and get involved with the cause on Google+ pages for Nonprofits.

Jacob Timmons, President of S.D. Professionals, LLC., has long been involved with the Imagination Library and oversees the Google+ project. Timmons stated, “It took a lot of hard work to be ready for Google+ and to see such a positive response so quickly is very exciting.”
Looking at the month in terms of big picture exposure Timmons says, “We should easily get added to several thousand new Google+ circles during the campaign but the real success is that now we’ve also been on Google’s Blog, which has over 500,000 readers.” Even greater than that, the Library is generating buzz throughout the Google world – an estimated audience of 1 billion visitors per month!
Within the social network, the page for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become a place for users to gather information, share successes, and even “hangout”. Each day, the Library presents an inspiring story from their “Imagination Moments” series – giving a personal glimpse into the lives of families positively influenced by books from the Imagination Library. Viewers can vote on their favorite story rewarding the winner’s local library with a $500 donation from Timmons’s S.D. Professionals, LLC.

The Imagination Library sends one book each month to a registered child until the month of their 5^th birthday. The program, which began in Parton’s hometown of Sevierville, TN in 1996, has now given nearly 40,000,000 books to children spanning the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.
“We’ve seen tremendous growth over the years,” said David Dotson, President of The Dollywood Foundation, “and this is just the next step – being able to reach new people in new areas and grow the Imagination Library even more.”

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Reveals New Website

2011-12-06T06:50:00.001-05:00

New Online Features Promise Better ServiceFor All

PIGEON FORGE, TN – We here at Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library isexcited to announce the launch of our brand new website. Recent additions have improved our registrationprocess, spotlight affiliate successes, and enabled sharing of Imagination Library news across social networks with just one click.

Due to a growing number of requests to replicate Dolly Parton's the Imagination Library program in newcommunities, the “Start A Program” form was introduced to help get the process rolling.From there, view informational videos, downloadhelpful documents and presentations built to help with each step of the replication process. For example, potential new champions are automatically assigned a Regional Director to help them each step of the way.

Inaddition, the state of the art “Cost Estimator Tool” combines census data,custom Google Maps, and an algorithm that instantly calculates the estimated cost of program launch with a 5-yearprojected cost based on program growth. Starting a program has never been thiseasy!

The onlineregistration rates for the Imagination Library doubled in 2011 alone!

With such alarge number, a new and improved online registration system has been designed to increase that amount once again for 2012. To do that, we have cut registration time in half and implemented more user friendly means of producing more accurate data. Now, beforeparents submit their child’s information, the system checks for: duplicateinformation, eligibility, and a verified address to ensure book delivery. To make it even better, we will be rolling this feature out for Canada and the United Kingdom very soon!

A brand newChampion Spotlight was created to bring attention to those working hard fortheir community. In this section, visitors can read of successes, find contactinformation, use an interactive map, and meet the Regional Director for theirarea.

A “Chalkboard Ticker” has been installed on the site’shomepage so that viewers can be updated in real-time to know how many childrenare registered in each country. Users can also get rid of any language barrierwith a Google Translate feature that translates nearly any language to another.Finally, a Tool Bar has been added to the bottom of the page that makesfollowing the Imagination Library’s social networks easy (the Tool Bar is stillin BETA testing and currently available in the U.S. only).

S.D. Professionals, the website designers and developers,have been Imagination Library partners for more than ten years. They begantransforming the program in 2005 with the introduction of an online bookordering system. The new system allowed for the Imagination Library’s internationalexpansion into Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as accommodating morethan 700,000 book orders each month.

To see the new site and browse around, visitimaginationlibrary.com.

For more technical information regarding our new features, checkout SD Professionals blog.

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United Way of Acadiana Video Brings Attention to Louisiana

2011-12-05T15:56:00.001-05:00

Literacy AwarenessVideo Grabs National Award

ACADIANA, LA – Rarely do Public Service Announcements domore than just find a way to engage a small number while masses of others scurryfor a new activity. In a rare instance, the United Way of Acadiana one aNational Literacy Award for it’s short film telling the story of a communitystruggling to overcome obstacles such as illiteracy. The film, released in2010, worked with the Women’s Leadership Council of United Way and local agencyBBR Creative to tell of the involvement of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Libraryin their community.

The video took home first place in the Literacy Awarenesscategory of the Literacy Powerline and Literacy Funders Network video contest.According to an official award letter, the Acadiana video had the ability to“inspire and motivate the community to join in the literacy effort.”

The film is both informative and visually stunning.Demetrius Glover, Ph.D., serves as Community Impact Director for Education forthe United Way of Acadiana, when asked what set this film apart from otherentries he answered, “We believe the use of real people and real stories iswhat captures viewers and ultimately makes our videos so powerful.” The film isindeed powerful and lets the viewer look directly into the eyes of women andchildren that deal with these struggles daily.

In 2009, the Women’s Leadership Council introduced Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. A short time later, a study from the Universityof Louisiana-Lafayette revealed that approximately 45% of parents read to theirchild every day before participating in the program; that percentage has increasedto 71% since the families’ participation in the program.

When asked for the motivation behind this project, Gloververy simply stated, “The children of Acadiana. If one child's life can beimproved through participating in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library we havebeen successful.” It is safe to say that more than one child has beenpositively influenced from the program, they now mail out books to over 2,700registered children in their area covering four parishes.

The United Way of Acadiana has made their award-winning film – and others including their 2011 follow-up – available to the public. Allfilms are posted to the website for a period of time before being archived ontheir Vimeo channel for sharing and viewing. For links to this film, andothers, follow their social media links and eNewsletters which can be found on their website at unitedwayofacadiana.org.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library - Imagination Moments

2011-11-25T06:47:00.000-05:00

Dream More, Learn More, Care More, Be More

A while back +Dolly Parton and +Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library asked people to share with us their amazing Imagination Moments about how the Imagination Library has impacted their family! The response we received was terrific as stories arrived from across the globe.

We invite you now to take a look at our top 20 finalists and vote for your favorite Imagination Moment as we share these heartwarming stories through the holidays! While you’re clicking around, be sure to add us to your circle on Google+!

Vote for your favorite Imagination Moment.

About Dolly Parton's Imagination Library - In 1996, Dolly Parton launched an exciting new effort, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, to benefit the children of her home county in East Tennessee, USA. Dolly's vision was to foster a love of reading among her county’s preschool children and their families by providing them with the gift of a specially selected book each month. By mailing high quality, age-appropriate books directly to their homes, she wanted children to be excited about books and to feel the magic that books can create. Moreover, she could insure that every child would have books, regardless of their family’s income.

Claire Derome of Yukon Territories takes home 2011 Council of the Federation Literacy Award

2011-11-14T16:48:00.001-05:00

Claire Derome of Yukon Territories takes home 2011 Council of the Federation Literacy Award

The Council of the Federation Literacy Award recognizes the valuable contributions made by Canadians across the entire spectrum of the field of literacy, including family, Aboriginal, health, workplace and community literacy. It is presented to educators, volunteers, learners, community organizations, and businesses in each province and territory.
Each recipient receives a certificate, signed by the Premier of their province or territory, as well as a Council of the Federation Literacy Award medallion.
Premiers created the award in 2004 to recognize the importance of literacy as a major factor in Canadians' ability to participate as full and active citizens in all areas of society.

Claire Derome has been an advocate for both family and workplace literacy for many years. As Member and past President of Whitehorse Rendezvous Rotary, Derome partnered with Yukon Literacy Coalition and was instrumental to the introduction and success of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Yukon. Derome was involved in the creation of the Family Literacy Centre, which provides programming and resources to meet literacy and essential skill needs of Yukon families. As President of Yukon Chamber of Mines and Board Member of Yukon Mine Training Association, Derome advocates for literacy within the workplace and throughout the workforce. She has shown herself to be a committed community literacy worker and has dedicated herself to raising literacy levels across Yukon.

Dolly's efforts to expand Imagination Library land foundation president in Australia!

2011-11-13T08:20:00.009-05:00

Dolly has made her way to beautiful Australia where she is wowing fans on stage as part of her Better Day world tour but she's not just pickin' and grinnin'. Dolly is on a mission with her friend, David Dotson (president of The Dollywood Foundation)!
That mission is to figure out how they can make her Imagination Library available to the children of Australia!

This blog post is a chronicle of David Dotson's (DD) travels across the country to try and make Dolly Parton's Imagination Library a reality in Australia.

11/17/11

Well on the next to the last day it finally happened-kangaroo sighting!

Belinda Metcalfe took me to an abandoned psychiatrichospital where hundreds of these critters were gathered.

We even saw a couple of them box each other.

So I am about to begin the 25 hour journey home. It's beengreat and there is certainly great interest in Dolly's Imagination Library!

So now the decision process begins-this is a long wayaway but one thing is for sure -we know how to make the seemingly impossiblepossible!

So stay tuned cause you will be the first to know.

11/14/11

It's a bright,sunny morning in Perth and just finished a good meeting with bright,sunny people.

Sue Dixon from Perth United Way pulled together the meeting and once again, the reception was Aussie good!

Always struck by the irony that I sit here working off an iphone with people all over the world, yet it seems the whole world is worried that so many children simply cannot read at grade level. Talk about the haves and the have nots - technology is great for us chosen few but here sits a huge number if children with no books and no joy for learning. It makes me queasy - or it could be the wrap I just wolfed down. Better eat now cause it's a 4 hour flight to Sydney and Virgin charges for everything-including water.

Mark my word-pay toilets on planes are coming soon! Tomorrow is the Dolly show in Sydney-a nice end to a very long day

11/12/11

Today is a day off-although I never stop thinking about how Dolly Parton's Imagination Library will or won't work here.
Headed to the end of the earth -southwestern Australia --the Margaret River area is just beautiful. Although no kangaroo has introduced himself to me, I did hear a kookaburra. The bird sounds like a maniacal monkey!
Next stop today is a lighthouse that sits at the meeting of the Indian and Southern oceans- a great place to contemplate the mystery of the universe. Tomorrow are meetings in Perth and then fly back to Sydney.
Next year is the National Year of Reading in Australia so if we do move forward- then this would be a perfect time to do it! .....DD

11/11/11
After two days of meetings it is clear that the Imagination Library and Australia are a perfect match.....but will it be affordable for communities? Books are expensive here! The folks here are warm and friendly.
These are the wonderful people from Kiwanis who along with Rotary and United Way have extended a most gracious welcome to me. If we look happy it's because we just finished off a feast of Chinese food. I had fried green beans and pork but lisa's dish took top honors--- deep fried duck with dumplings! I'm starting to think those ducks swimming in the river by the office may have another purpose in life. On to Perth!.........DD

11/09/11

After a 25 hour journey from Sevierville to Sydney I finally landed on Wednesday. I wonder how many people have made this same journey from Sevierville????

My mission is to see whether or not we are wanted and needed in Australia. My first meeting required a ferry ride across the harbor and look what I found-- the iconic Opera House!

Tomorrow is a big meeting organized by Doug Taylor of United Way. He is a great guy and clearly a man who sees tomorrow as clear as he sees today. United Way is an important partner in our work so here they are again-lending a helping hand.

Tomorrow the search begins to find a kangaroo......DD

Dotson's efforts to expand Imagination Library land him in Australia

2011-11-13T08:20:00.005-05:00

Today is a day off-although I never stop thinking about how Dolly Parton's Imagination Library will or won't work here.

Headed to the end of the earth -southwestern Australia --the Margaret River area is just beautiful. Although no kangaroo has introduced himself to me, I did hear a kookaburra. The bird sounds like a maniacal monkey!

Next stop today is a lighthouse that sits at the meeting of the Indian and Southern oceans- a great place to contemplate the mystery of the universe. Tomorrow are meetings in Perth and then fly back to Sydney.

Next year is the National Year of Reading in Australia so if we do move forward- then this would be a perfect time to do it!

David Dotson

President - The Dollywood Foundation

MORE Moments inspired by Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

2011-11-11T08:25:00.006-05:00

When my husband was deployed to Iraq, our youngest son and I would read each day as something to pass the time and kind of distract us from watching the news or thinking about missing his Daddy quite as much.

I would let him choose books and they were usually ones he received from Dolly, as he would put it.

He loved the Max and Ruby books and it was part of our daily routine he and I enjoyed so much. He grew to love reading on his own and I attribute a lot of that to our reading time during that period in our lives when the books he loved from the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library were so important in our routine.

His enjoyment of reading lead him to the story of the Titanic, and in Third Grade he was chosen to take part in the Sevier County Young Authors Conference, he decided to write his book about the Titanic and facts he thought other children would enjoy.

One day while we were at the Museum unable to go in because they were sold out, he pulled his book out and began reading facts he had written to my Aunt who was visiting.

One of the Crew Members noticed him and asked to see his book, then told him he needed to meet someone. He introduced Luke to Mrs Mary Kellog Joslin who asked Luke if she could have his book published to sell in the Titanic Museum, he was 8 years old when he wrote and illustrated his first book.

This chance meeting has been one of the greatest blessings in our lives, and we know that it all started with his reading along with me from the Bible and the books he loves from Dolly’s Imagination Library.

JLK Dolly Parton Literacy Grant presented to Pleasant Ridge Elementary School

2011-11-02T12:42:00.000-04:00

The JLK Dolly Parton Literacy Grant was created to honor Dolly Parton and her efforts to promote early childhood literacy both locally and around the world. Grant applications were accepted from Knox County public schools, pre-schools and libraries demonstrating a need for funding to promote childhood literacy programs. The $25,000 grant was awarded to Pleasant Ridge Elementary School on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011 at 7:15 p.m. at the Knoxville Convention Center.

Pleasant Ridge Elementary School received the JLK Dolly Parton Literacy Grant to provide funding for their Destination Unlimited: Oh! The Places You’ll Go! program.

This is a school-wide reading program geared toward assisting students, a majority of which are at-risk, in increasing reading achievement.

The program consists of exposing students to different genres of literature, increasing children’s access and choice of books, increasing reading strategies among their students and promoting family involvement in developing successful readers.

One of the most notable portions of their grant application was the rain gutter component.

The schools’ Dad’s Club will install rain gutters in the classrooms, gym and cafeteria to serve as bookshelves. This type of “shelving” is very economical and will allow the books to be displayed by their cover versus the spine of the book, therefore increasing the books’ appeal to children.

Books will also be available in tubs on school busses so that the children can maximize wait time with learning opportunities.

“The Junior League of Knoxville is very pleased to support Pleasant Ridge Elementary School’s literacy initiatives. Its imagination and ideas are exceptionally creative, and we can’t wait to see the school’s dreams become reality through the JLK Dolly Parton Literacy Grant,” said Tracy Morrow, JLK’s Executive Director.

The grant has been made possible by donations from a group of JLK Sustainers who have donated annually to the JLK’s Community Circle Annual Fund. A list of Community Circle members can be found on the JLK’s website.

Robertson County Reads - Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

2011-09-14T12:34:00.000-04:00

Margot Fosnes posted an article today on the Tennessean.com stating concerns of finances running out for Robertson County Reads, the champion of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Robertson County, Tennessee.
Read the full article here on the Tennessean.com.

South Wales Echo articles on Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, UK

2011-09-14T09:50:00.000-04:00

Jessica Flynn of South Wales Echo published an article today talking about the expansion of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library into South Wales.
Click here to read the full article on WalesOnline.co.uk.

Various News Articles

2011-09-12T09:55:00.000-04:00

Grant Opportunities for Dolly Parton Imagination Library programs

2011-08-30T09:02:00.000-04:00

Hey friends & affiliates!

Checkout this list of organizations with grants available for early childhood literacy programs, you might just find one that is a good match for you!

Thanks to Scott Peterson of GlobalYouthJustic.org for compiling and share this great resource.

Grant: Literacy Grants - To develop or expand projects designed to support the development of literacy skills for adult primary care givers and their children.

Funder: The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.

Eligibility: Nonprofits that have been in existence for at least two years.

Deadline: Sept. 9.

Amount: Multiple awards of up to $65,000 each.

Contact: www.barbarabushfoundation.com/site/c.jhLSK2PALmF.

Grant: Literacy and Education - Supports children's literacy and education programs such as summer reading programs, early childhood education programs, and literacy programs for children with special needs.

Funder: Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation.

Eligibility: Nonprofits.

Deadline: Oct. 28.

Amount: Multiple awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 each.

Contact: www.buildabear.com/shopping/contents/content.

Grant: Singing for Change - Grants are awarded to programs that are concerned with the health, education and protection of children and their families, fostering self-esteem and self-sufficiency, nonviolence and creative problem solving.
Funder: Jimmy Buffett's SFC Charitable Foundation.
Eligibility: Nonprofits.
Deadline: Rolling.
Amount: Multiple awards ranging from $500 to $10,000 each.
Contact: www.margaritaville.com/sfcarea.html.

Grant: Family Literacy: Community College Partnership Initiative - Helps educational and community organizations address the challenges facing nontraditional Latino college students and their families who are working to attain the dream of a college education by broadening the availability and targeted use of a recently developed comprehensive set of tools by community programs, schools and community colleges

Funder: The National Center for Family Literacy.

Eligibility: Nonprofits.

Deadline: Oct. 26.

Amount: Ten grants of up to $25,000 each.

Contact: www.famlit.org/award-grant-opportunities/.

Grant: Books for Children - Donates new, quality, hardcover children's books for small, rural, public libraries across the country.

Funder: The Libri Foundation.

Eligibility: Libraries in rural areas that have a limited operating budget and an active children's department.

Deadline: Jan. 23, 2012.

Amount: Not specified.

Contact: www.librifoundation.org/apps.html.

Grant: Lowe's Toolbox for Education - To support school improvement projects at public schools throughout the U.S.

Funder: Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation.

Eligibility: Individual U.S. public K-12 schools, nonprofit parent group associated with a public K-12 school.

Deadline: Oct. 14.

Amount: Multiple grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 each.

Contact: www.toolboxforeducation.com/.

Grant: Verizon Thinkfinity Grant Program - Supports public schools in Tennessee that use the free resources from the Verizon Foundation's Thinkfinity.org to improve student skills in science, technology, engineering and math.

Funder: Verizon Foundation.

Eligibility: Not specified.

Deadline: Sept. 30.

Amount: $50,000 (total program funding for an unspecified number of awards).

Contact: http://foundation.verizon.com/.

Grant: Enhancing Education through Technology Program (Ed Tech) - To improve student academic achievement through the use of technology in schools, ensure every student is technologically literate by the end of eighth grade, encourage the effective integration of technology into teacher training and curriculum development to establish successful research-based instructional methods.

Funder: Office of the State Superintendent of Education, Washington, D.C.

Eligibility: Local educational agencies.

Deadline: Sept. 23.

Amount: $450,000 total program funding (unspecified number of awards).

Contact: http://app.opgd.dc.gov/grantautomation/Grant.asp?.

Grant: Race to the Top--Early Learning Challenge - To improve the quality of early learning and development and close the achievement gap for children with high needs.

Funder: U.S. Department of Education.

Eligibility: State educational agencies.

Deadline: Oct. 19.

Amount: $500 million total program funding.

Contact:www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-08-2.

Grant: Elva Knight Research Grant - Supports research on reading and literacy.

Funder: International Reading Association.

Eligibility: Members of the International Reading Association.

Deadline: Nov. 1.

Amount: Multiple grants of up to $8,000 each.

Contact: www.reading.org/Resources/AwardsandGrants.

Funder: The Libri Foundation.
Eligibility: Libraries in rural areas that have a limited operating budget and an active children's department.
Amount: Not specified.
Contact: http://www.librifoundation.org/apps.htm

Louisiana Literacy Grants

Funder: The Verizon Foundation.

Eligibility: Nonprofits based in Louisiana.
Amount: Multiple grants of up to $50,000 each.
Contact: http://foundation.verizon.com/grant/application.shtm

The Famous Resource Director

100's and 100's of Grants and Foundations

http://www.globalyouthjustice.org/Resources.html

Simpson Foundation donates to United Way of Coshocton County to support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

2011-08-24T13:00:00.000-04:00

COSHOCTON -- The Simpson Family Foundation donated $7,500 to the United Way of Coshocton County to support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program.

Read full article here on CoshoctonTribune.com.

SNP praises Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

2011-08-24T12:54:00.000-04:00

An initiative between the queen of country music Dolly Parton, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Book Trust has been hailed by SNP MSP Angela Constance.

The Minister for Children and Young People met Parton this week to mark the arrival of the Imagination Library – a programme providing free books to looked after children.

Check out the rest of this great article from the Scottish National Party website posted by Louise Brown here.

Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library make big news in Scotland

2011-08-21T18:18:00.001-04:00

"When I am on tour, we are in and out of a town so fast it doesn't leave much time for anything else. However, this is very important to me and I am so proud of our partnership with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Book Trust.

They love kids as much as I do and we share a belief that if we do what is right for children now, they will do what's right the rest of their lives."

......Dolly Parton

Reading celebration will also give parents in Vermilion County and Fountain County, Ind., the first opportunity to register their children

2011-08-21T18:13:00.000-04:00

The Danville Public Library, Danville District 118 and United Way of the Danville area will celebrate a summer of reading from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday on the library lawn during the Farmers’ Market. The event is for children and their families.

At 9:30 the Children’s Department will offer stories and crafts for the children who participated in the “Midsummer Knight’s Read” program. At 10 a.m. will be a celebration of the children who participated in the Danville District 118 Accelerated Reader summer reading program. There will be a story time and brief demonstration of how to read to a child.

Three prizes will be awarded to the top readers in each grade, K through five.

The reading celebration will also give parents in Vermilion County and Fountain County, Ind., the first opportunity to register their children, ages birth to five, for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. With the support of local sponsors, the Imagination Library sends a free book every month to each registered child until their fifth birthday.

Read full story here>>>>

NYC - All aboard the Imagination Express!

2011-08-09T12:17:00.000-04:00

News continues to hit the Twitter feed and social networks posts throughout the country as NYC continues to promote their program.
Check out this article from Bed-Stuy Patch by C. Zawadi Morris

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library receives Crystal Apply Award

2011-07-23T18:03:00.003-04:00

Dolly Parton and her literacy organization, Imagination Library, are the recipients of this year's Crystal Apple award, an annual honor given at the discretion of the president of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) to an individual or group that's had a significant impact on school library programs and students.
Read full story here >>

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library presented with Crystal Apple Award

2011-07-23T17:35:00.001-04:00

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library presented with Crystal Apple Award

- Posted by SD Professionals via iPhone4

Phil Gallo interviews Dolly Parton for Billboard

2011-07-05T09:32:00.000-04:00

Billboard discusses many things with Dolly including her upcoming tour and her new album. Read the full interview here on Billboard.com's official website.

USA Online Registration Form

2011-06-30T09:47:00.003-04:00

Click the follow button to register your child for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

Dolly Parton & David Dotson present Marge West with 2011 Chasing Rainbows Award

2011-06-28T09:07:00.000-04:00

Sarfraz Manzoor's interview with Dolly Parton during Homecomin' 2011

2011-06-27T10:32:00.000-04:00

Sarfraz Manzoor - Photo by SD Professionals

During Homecomin' 2011, Sarfraz Manzoor made the trip across the pond from the United Kingdom all the way to the Great Smoky Mountains area of East Tennessee just to grab an interview with Dolly Parton. His interview certainly covered a wide range of topics and could Mr. Manzoor possibly be becoming a Dolly fan?

We recommend that you take a few moments to read the well written article here: Check out Sarfraz Manzoor's interview with Dolly Parton here.

Doll Parton gives millions of kids opportunity to read - Reporter Allison Kroff - WVLT

2011-06-20T08:47:00.000-04:00

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) - In true Dolly Parton spirit, it's a day of giving at the Imagination Playhouse. Not only did Dolly give millions of kids an opportunity to read, she received a first of its kind honor.

To help kickoff KidsFest, a packed house got a first look at the new show "Ladybug Girl."

Read full story >>

Vicki Lawrence brings star power to Power of the Purse by Christina Killion Valdez

2011-06-16T10:05:00.000-04:00

Photo courtesy www.postbulletin.com

Vicki Lawrence is not a natural redhead. So she was surprised when her gynecologist made a comment about her hair color, she joked Tuesday during the Power of the Purse luncheon in Rochester.

But not as surprised as one of the few men in the audience was when the famous comedienne singled him out during her humorous, women-centric keynote speech.

"Is he OK?" she asked as the man turned shades of red and the audience roared with laughter.

The moment and the event illustrated the bond women share and the power they hold when they come together to support a cause.

Read Full Story >>

Imagination Library Homecomin’ Hits Pigeon Forge

2011-06-15T14:59:00.000-04:00

By T. Duane Gordon, www.dollymania.net

Hundreds of community leaders from the U.S., Canada and U.K. involved in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library have converged this week in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., to dream more, learn more, care more and be more at the biennial Homecomin’ conference supporting the entertainer’s early childhood literacy program.

Sessions on Wednesday and Thursday focus on topics that include best practices, research, service club partnerships, United Way involvement, social media usage, communication and child development. Representatives from local Imagination Library affiliates also share their successes, strategize over their struggles and celebrate the program that sends a book a month to more than 650,000 children under the age of 5.

More great news for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

2011-05-17T13:00:00.000-04:00

Check out the latest web postings here:

Do you have an awesome story to share about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library? We would love to hear all about it. Join the conversation on our Facebook Discussions Board!

Best Beginnings Alaska Radio Interview

2011-04-12T20:35:00.002-04:00

Great radio article about Best Beginnings Alaska here: http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/nv1/local-nv1-962660.mp3

DOLLY PARTON LAUNCHES 2011 BETTER DAY WORLD TOUR WITH KNOXVILLE CONCERT TO BENEFIT HER DOLLYWOOD FOUNDATION

2011-03-23T10:10:00.000-04:00

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.—Entertainment legend Dolly Parton will launch her 2011 Better Day World Tour on July 17 in Knoxville, Tenn., with concert proceeds benefiting her not-for-profit Dollywood Foundation.

“ It’s been a long time since I played Knoxville, so I am thrilled to launch my Better Day tour right here on the banks of the Tennessee River,” Parton said. “Since this tour is all about hope and looking forward to better days, I thought it would only be right to donate the proceeds of this concert to my Imagination Library. It will be a special night and I am really looking forward to it.”

Tickets go on sale April 1 at knoxvilletickets.com or via phone at (865) 656-4444 or (877) 995-9961. The concert will take place at the University of Tennessee’s Thompson-Boling Arena at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are $59.50, $49.50 and $39.50.

Parton’s Dollywood Foundation administers the entertainer’s Imagination Library program. Proceeds from the concert will provide necessary funds to cover the program’s overhead expenses. As a result, participating communities must only pay for postage and purchase the books they provide to children enrolled in their programs.

The Imagination Library was launched in 1996 for preschool-age children in Parton’s native Sevier County, Tenn. To promote the importance of reading to children in the first five years of life, each child residing in Sevier County received one book each month from birth until the age of five. The 60-volume collection is selected by a committee comprised of individuals from education, child development, academia and early childhood literacy.

The Imagination Library has expanded and now serves 1,200 communities in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom. To date, the Imagination Library has distributed 33 million books. Recently, through its work with the Scottish Government and Scottish Book Trust, the Dollywood Foundation recently announced that the Imagination Library will now deliver books to 3,341 foster care children in Scotland.

-dollywoodfoundation2011-

For more information, please contact David Dotson, President of the Dollywood Foundation at (865) 428-9604.

Global group will appear at Dolly Parton's Imagination Library event in Pigeon Forge this June

2011-03-23T09:56:00.000-04:00

There's no place like Homecomin'
Presenters at Homecomin' 2011 are at the forefront of advancements in the campaign for early childhood literacy. This summer’s Hollywood themed conference combines informative sessions with a variety of hot-topic panel discussions. Click here for the list of speakers and full itinerary.

Register online at www.dpilevents.com.
Hotel reservations are available by phone. Family members welcome! Be sure to mention "Dollywood Foundation" for a discount when calling MainStay Suites at (865) 428-8350.

"It's been 2 years since the last international Affiliate 'staff meeting' and I'm pleased to announce another incredible line-up of presenters, entertainers and authors. This event is also family-friendly, with educational workshops and hands-on activities in our schedule for kids.”

Kate Phillips
Affiliate Relations Manager
The Dollywood Foundation

"This time will be devoted to learning and sharing --topics will include forming partnerships with health care and United Way, establishing the Imagination Library in rural areas, research about the impact of the program, operating discussions about database and NCOA (for the USA), raising funds, early childhood development and much more. We believe this will be our largest gathering ever –so please plan on joining us in the beautiful Smoky Mountains!"

David Dotson
President
The Dollywood Foundation

Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More

Memphis Daily News story by Aisling Maki

2011-03-16T15:03:00.000-04:00

Before an audience of fresh-faced young children, nonprofit leaders and elected officials at the Urban Child Institute in Memphis Tuesday, United Healthcare Community Plan CEO Scott Bowers presented the Governor’s Book from Birth Foundation with an oversized check symbolizing his company’s $250,000 pledge to support early childhood reading.

Read Full Story>>>>

By Aisling Maki

Brantford/Brant County, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Brantford-Sunrise approached Kids Can Fly and asked to partner in this wonderful project.

2011-03-01T14:30:00.000-05:00

Brantford/Brant County, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Brantford-Sunrise approached Kids Can Fly and asked to partner in this wonderful project. They provide annual funding and we manage the promotion, data base and general facilitation of the program.

Kids Can Fly is a registered charity that supports early learning and parenting located within the County of Brant, Ontario that raises funds with a mission to help all children maximize their potential. They follow the research that getting a strong start in the formative years 0-5 will set the foundation for success in learning health and well being for children. Much of their work has a strong focus on literacy so Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a perfect fit for Kids Can Fly! www.kidscanfly.ca

Currently they have 418 children registered.

- Photo provided by a pleased mother as a thank you. She said her daughter is so excited each month to receive her new book and the photo was taken minutes after the book arrival when the little girl grabbed her firefighter hat to read the story about a firefighter to the rescue! A lovely demonstration of how meaningful this program is!”

Information provided by: Sharon Brooks Executive Director, Kids Can Fly 519 448 1713

Jim Cosgrove "Mr. Stinky Feet" - Saturday, February 5, 2011

2011-02-01T11:34:00.000-05:00

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Paxton Keeley Elementary School,
201 Park De Ville Drive in Columbia

Merchant Booths open at 9:30 am, Show starts at 10:00 am

Admission: $7 per person.
No advance ticket sales.
Cash only at the door.

Fun for the whole family! Jim "Mr. Stinky Feet" Cosgrove is a Midwest favorite. Kids love him and parents appreciate his educational and interactive shows. Get ready to sing, dance and have some fun!

TheSunNews.com: Building a Strong Foundation

2011-02-01T11:31:00.000-05:00

Twelve percent of adults in Horry County lack basic literacy skills. That's about 20,000 adults in the county who fall into this category of just barely literate, lacking the ability to complete even simple, everyday reading tasks. And it's just that fate that First Book of Horry County hopes to help children avoid.
More than 60 percent of low-income families have no books in their home for children, and First Book combats that statistic by providing free books to children so that they can begin their own library. Numerous studies have looked at the strong link between reading levels and book ownership. An analysis released in June synthesized the results of 108 studies on the subject and determined that simply owning books and having them available increases children's language skills, reading ability, literacy skills and causes increased reading.
To that end, First Book is accepting grant applications until the end of February from nonprofits that serve children. Grant coordinator Margene Willis said the group is looking to partner with those nonprofits to give 250 children a book each month for six months, or 1,500 books in all. More than 40,000 books have already been given to local children, and we hope that number will continue to grow by leaps and bounds.

Read more: http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/02/01/1954847/building-a-strong-foundation.html

Legendary Entertainers Join 2011 Fundraising Campaign!

2011-01-11T10:43:00.003-05:00

For the eighth consecutive year, the nationwide network of Paul Mitchell beauty schools will spend the months of February through April raising money for charitable organizations. In 2010, the schools raised an all-time high of $1.2 million, bringing their seven-year total to over $4.6 million.

This year they plan to raise $1.5 million for seven organizations: Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation, Food 4 Africa, Fran Drescher’s Cancer Schmancer Foundation, and newcomers Morris Animal Foundation, represented by Betty White, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“We’re so excited to welcome Betty White and Dolly Parton this year, and we’re thrilled to welcome Leeza Gibbons, Donny and Marie Osmond, and Fran Drescher back again,” said Paul Mitchell Schools Dean and Cofounder Winn Claybaugh. “All of these incredible superstar celebrities will play an active role in motivating and encouraging our 12,000 future professionals as they take part in thousands of grassroots ‘FUNraisers,’ from cut-a-thons and car washes to fashion shows and charity balls. They’ve also joined an elite group of wonderful celebrities who’ve supported us in the past, including Larry King and Vidal Sassoon.”

CLICK HERE for a special message from Dolly Parton!

"Dream More, Learn More, Care More, Be More!"

2010-12-27T10:09:00.003-05:00

According to the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation, since the inception of the Sullivan County Imagination Library, a total of 289,912 books have been delivered to area preschoolers. Thus far, 5,252 children in that region have graduated from the program.

Over the last several years, many organizations including the Literacy Council of Kingsport, Kingsport Tomorrow, the Kingsport Rotary Club, Girls Inc., the Junior League, the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA and Northeast State Technical Community College have all pitched in with the goal of improving reading skills and literacy among children and adults.

The tradition of helping individuals, communities and causes represents the very best of Tennessee’s legacy of volunteerism. It is a tradition that remains alive and well, particularly during the holidays!

Visit www.imaginationlibrary.com today!

Contest Winners Announced!

2010-12-20T09:26:00.003-05:00

Another exciting Baby Photo Contest on Facebook has taken place and the winners have been posted! Dolly Parton's Imagination Library would like to send our congratulations and sincere thanks to all for entering and everyone who voted.

Here's what we ended up with:

Nearly 2,300 entries,
Nearly 100,000 daily votes,
Over 2.4 Million total views, and
More donations generated than any other time in the history of the online merchandise center.

The photo submitted by Bevin Meadows had the most votes, and is the first place WINNER!

HCC Employees Donate $2,924 to United Way’s Imagination Library

2010-12-09T11:20:00.000-05:00

Haywood Community College faculty and staff members collected a total of $2,924.00 for United Way to be used for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The funds were raised through the college’s annual campaign. This year’s campaign was led by instructors Susan Roberts and Jodi Wijewickrama. Through the Imagination Library, children ages newborn up to five years who are enrolled in the program receive one free book a month.
Read full story >>

Baby Photo Contest on Facebook!

2010-12-06T09:06:00.006-05:00

Another exciting contest is under way for all Facebook fans of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dolly-Partons-Imagination-Library/244765928953

PHASE ONE:
Submit a photo of your baby between now and December 19th. The selected photo can be of your child or children. Tell your friends and family all about it so they too can vote for your photo!

PHASE TWO:
Members of Facebook vote on their favorite photo. It is possible to vote for up to 20 entries per day. Voting continues until December 19th.

PHASE THREE:
Winners are announced on December 19th! A Gift Certificate along with a set of 60 Imagination Library Books will be awarded to the photo with the most votes as the Grand Prize Winner! Similar prizes will be awarded to the top 5 photos entered.

Gift Certificates can be used to shop online at http://dollysimaginationlibrary.com/store/home.php

Modern Salon: Legendary Entertainers Partner with Paul Mitchell Schools

2010-11-22T09:10:00.000-05:00

By Lauren Salapatek

For the eighth consecutive year, the nationwide network of Paul Mitchell beauty schools will spend the months of February through April raising money for charitable organizations. In 2010, the schools raised an all-time high of $1.2 million, bringing their seven-year total to over $4.6 million.

This year they plan to raise $1.5 million for seven organizations: Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network, Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation, Food 4 Africa, Fran Drescher’s Cancer Schmancer Foundation, and newcomers Morris Animal Foundation, represented by Betty White, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“We’re so excited to welcome Betty White and Dolly Parton this year, and we’re thrilled to welcome Fran Drescher back again,” said Paul Mitchell Schools Dean and Cofounder Winn Claybaugh. “All three of these incredible women will play an active role in motivating and encouraging our 12,000 future professionals as they take part in thousands of grassroots ‘FUNraisers,’ from cut-a-thons and car washes to fashion shows and charity balls. They’ve also joined an elite group of wonderful celebrities who’ve supported us in the past, including Larry King and Vidal Sassoon.”

Emmy-award winning TV star and animal activist Betty White has served on the Morris Animal Foundation board of trustees since 1971. Since its inception in 1948, the foundation has funded more than 1,600 humane animal health studies. Today, its funding supports more than 200 animal health and welfare research studies each year at the world’s most respected research institutions, colleges of veterinary medicine, and zoos.

Read full story >>>

The Book Lady of Sevier County!

2010-11-22T09:07:00.004-05:00

Dolly Parton is almost universally adored, not just for her songs but for her sunny, shiny, sweeter-than-sweet-tea persona, her gusto, and her wit. It’s virtually impossible to name another member of Music City royalty who can claim a following of such diversity.

But even Parton’s biggest fans may be unaware of her less flashy role as “The Book Lady”—a nearly magical figure who leaves books in the mailboxes of boys and girls everywhere. At least that’s the way some children have come to think of Dolly, thanks to her groundbreaking program, the Imagination Library, which distributes free books, one per month, to children from birth to age five in more than a thousand communities across the country. The books vary from year to year, but there are a number of staples, including The Little Engine That Could, a classic that’s become an iconic title for the program.

Parton recently spoke with Chapter 16 about the role books played in her childhood, her hopes for the Imagination Library’s future, and more.

Read the entire interview here: http://www.chapter16.org/content/book-lady-sevier-county

IMAGINATION LIBRARY GIVEAWAY!

2010-11-15T09:13:00.005-05:00

During the last 6 days, photos and videos of our Imagination Library friends and their children were posted on Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Facebook wall.

At the end of the day on Sunday, November 14, 2010 at 5:00pm Eastern, the top 4 photos with the most "Likes" as votes, each won a set of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Book Ends.

In under one week, over two hundred images were submitted for the "We want to see your baby!" Bookend Giveaway Contest. Here are the finalists:

Turner Addison Morris in 4th place.

Bella Johnston in 3rd place.

Shayden & Sawyer Prowant in 2nd place and...

Laia Juliana Hughes, with the most votes, is the first place WINNER!

Congratulations to all who played and stay tuned for the next giveaway that will take place between November 26th and December 19th 2010. Complete details of a second chance to win, will be released soon, just in time for the holiday season!!

First Tennessee Foundation joins communitywide push to get books to children!

2010-11-08T09:15:00.003-05:00

As a grandfather, Charles Burkett understands not only the joy experienced from reading to a child but also the value in it.

"When she was younger, I know how much (my granddaughter) enjoyed hearing me read to her," said Burkett, 59, of Memphis. "It's important for children to read during early development before they start school, and the only way is with a parent or a guardian working with them."

When First Tennessee's president of banking learned about then-Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton's efforts to bring the statewide Governor's Books from Birth program to the area, he immediately jumped on board.

"From the first time I heard the story of what Books from Birth was all about, to somehow help preschool children with their reading by providing a book to them each month, I don't know how you don't like a program like it," said Burkett, board member of the First Tennessee Foundation.
The Governor's Books from Birth program works with the national Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to provide one free hardcover, age-appropriate book a month through the mail to every child up to the age of 5 who registers with the program regardless of income.

With seed funding from the First Tennessee Foundation totaling $100,000, as well as other donations, the organization added Shelby County to its roster of participants in 2005. So far, the local arm of the program has provided more than 32,000 books to children, and serves 47 percent of qualifying children in the area.

"We have one of the largest Books from Birth programs in the country," said Nora Capwell, executive director of Shelby County Books from Birth.

Every county in the state participates in the Governor's Books from Birth, with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library spreading across the U.S. and into Canada and the United Kingdom. Working with a skeleton staff of two employees and close to 30 volunteers, SCBFB works with hospitals, schools, day cares and churches to sign up children for the program.

"We've done a really great job with outreach in the last five years. People know us, know about us, and will call us wanting books. It's a good problem to have," said Capwell, 41, of Memphis.
Through various fund-raising efforts, SCBFB pays half the $28-per-child annual cost of delivering a book every month to each child.

Books are chosen by a panel of early education experts and are purchased from Penguin Publications. Every book is wrapped with the child's name on it.

In addition to the First Tennessee Foundation's seed funding, the organization also participated in SCBFB's 2010 fundraiser, Tables of Content, held at the Botanic Gardens in January, as the title sponsor.

"The more kids we register the greater the need we have for funding," Capwell said.
Other sponsors include the Plough Foundation, the Hyde Foundation, Gerber/Taylor Associates, the Urban Child Institute and the John Dustin Buckman Charitable Trust. Capwell hopes to have every eligible child in the county registered eventually. To Burkett, it's a no-brainer.

"For a child to go to kindergarten, to start school and already have an advantage in starting off on the right foot, that's good for everyone," he said.

For more information about, to make a donation to, or to volunteer for Shelby County Books from Birth, go to www.booksfrombirth.org or call 865-820-4501.

United Way of Acadiana, Louisiana

2010-11-04T16:22:00.001-04:00

Imagination Library Fifth Anniversary Celebration

2010-11-01T09:06:00.002-04:00

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library will be celebrating their Fifth Anniversary this Saturday, November 6th, at 10:00 am in South East Tennessee.

All children and their parents who are eligible or who have ever participated in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program by receiving books are invited to the fifth anniversary celebration at the Blount County Public Library along with their parents. Hosted by the Maryville Kiwanis Club, the ceremony will recognize five of the first enrollees in Blount County as well as several newborns whose parents have just enrolled them in the program.

Free refreshments will be available. The program will be held in the Reading Rotunda of the library.

For more information, visit www.blountlibrary.org or call (865) 982-0981.

The Great Cake Event of 2010!

2010-10-25T09:16:00.004-04:00

Celebrating Five Years of Imagination Library Sponsorship in Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Yellow Medicine and western Redwood Counties of Minnesota.

The Great Cake Event was held on recently at the Marshall Area YMCA. The United Way of Southwest Minnesota sponsored this event to celebrate five years of sponsorship of the Imagination Library for children who live in their service area. The event included over 30 cakes in the cake contest; kids' activities; chance to vote for your favorite Imagination Library book; chance to vote for your favorite cake; educational sessions on cake decorating; silent auction of cakes and more!

To see more photographs from the event, please visit: http://unitedwayswmn.org/SB-GreatCakeEvent_2010.php?pr=SB-GreatCakeEvent_2010&curPhoto=0&curAlbum#album

Dolly Parton Imagination Library moves to ECU!

2010-10-18T09:09:00.002-04:00

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is changing hosts in Oklahoma. Previously managed through Ada Regional United Way, the early childhood literacy program is now based at Smart Start South Central, an early childhood initiative housed in East Central University’s Center for Continuing Education and Community Services.

“The Dolly Parton Imagination Library program itself is exactly what it always has been: a program that provides one free book a month to any child under the age of 5 who lives in Pontotoc County. The only change is that Smart Start South Central has taken over the administrative tasks of the program,” said Trish Little, community coordinator.

“The DPIL program is alive and well in Pontotoc County, and will continue to provide books to children 5 and under as long as funding will support it, she said.”

New brochures will be available soon for parents who would like to sign up their child for the program. For more information about this or any other programs that Smart Start South Central sponsors, phone Little at 580-559-5367, or email plittle@ecok.edu.

Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a collaborative effort between Smart Start South Central and the Chickasaw Nation.

Independent: Cake decorating contest

2010-10-16T12:26:00.000-04:00

Area cake decorators are invited to take part in the first ever Great Cake Event which will be from 1-4 p.m. at the Marshall Area YMCA, 200 S. A St., Marshall.

The Great Cake Event is a celebration of five years of United Way of Southwest Minnesota sponsorship of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program for young children in this area. In 2005, United Way of Southwest Minnesota began local sponsorship of Imagination Library to build school readiness and literacy skills in all preschoolers who live in its service area. More than 5,000 children have taken part in the program during this time. Today 2,386 children are enrolled and receive a free, quality book in the mail each month at no cost to their families.

The Great Cake Event will highlight beautiful and creative cakes and will feature a cake decorating competition. Cake decorators are encouraged to emphasize literacy or reading as a theme for their cake. There is no fee for entering a cake in the contest; however, cakes will be sold via a silent auction to help raise money for continued sponsorship of the Imagination Library program.

There are four categories for judging: 1) Individual; 2) Youth under age 12; 3) Youth ages 12 – 18; 4) Group/Business. More information about the event, the competition and the registration form is available on the United Way of Southwest Minnesota webpage: www.unitedwayswmn.org.

In addition to the showcase of cakes and a silent auction of cakes, there will be children’s activities related to Imagination Library and educational sessions about the basics of cake decorating.
For more information, call United Way of Southwest Minnesota, 507-929-2273.

Article by MN Independent

Power of the Purse powers along to 5th year

2010-10-15T12:15:00.000-04:00

story and photos by Joel Rafkin
jrafkin@thecitywire.com
About 300 people opened their purses to support children's literacy at the fifth annual Power of the Purse event held Thursday at the Holiday Inn City Center.
Tables lined with themed handbag collections surrounded the perimeter of the room in a silent auction and luncheon event to benefit Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Each bag was filled with other goods that matched the theme. For example: A woven straw bag titled "Beach Bound" also contained a towel, sunscreen and other items for a day at the beach. A few items on the auction block were standalone — not associated with a purse or bag — but the bulk of the 43 purchased or donated items were "purse-centric."

Read Full Story >>>

Dolly Parton and Betty White Partner with Paul Mitchell Schools

2010-10-12T12:16:00.000-04:00

INTHISWEEK.COM Reports: Legendary Entertainers Join Annual Fundraising Campaign

For the eighth consecutive year, the nationwide network of Paul Mitchell beauty schools will spend the months of February through April raising money for charitable organizations. In 2010, the schools raised an all-time high of $1.2 million, bringing their seven-year total to over $4.6 million.

This year they plan to raise $1.5 million for six organizations: Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network, Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation, Food 4 Africa, and newcomers Morris Animal Foundation, represented by Betty White, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“We’re so excited to welcome Betty White and Dolly Parton this year,” said Paul Mitchell Schools Dean and Cofounder Winn Claybaugh. “Both of these incredible women will play an active role in motivating and encouraging our 12,000 future professionals as they take part in thousands of grassroots ‘FUNraisers,’ from cut-a-thons and car washes to fashion shows and charity balls. They’ve also joined an elite group of wonderful celebrities who’ve supported us in the past, including Larry King, Fran Drescher, and Vidal Sassoon.”

Read Full Story >>>

Warren Lincoln: Imagination Library celebrates 1,000 children in Lincoln County

2010-10-11T10:23:00.000-04:00

Joe Ostendorf looks on as Christa Hammet accepts a
$100 savings bond for their daughter, June Ostendorf, age 2, who is
the 1,000th child to have been signed up for Imagination Library in the
Lincoln County R-III school district, from Mike Miller,
senior vice president of Bank of Old Monroe.

On Thursday, October 7, partners of the Imagination Library celebrated that 1,000 children had been signed up for its free book program at the Troy Early Childhood Education Center.
“With a little more than 2,000 eligible children in the Lincoln County R-III school district, signing up 1,000 in just one year is a huge accomplishment,” said Wray Clay, vice president, United Way.
As of October 7, more than 1,030 children age birth – 5 are participating in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library book program in Lincoln County's R-III school district.

Read Full Story >>>

Israel Launches Major Literacy Drive for Preschoolers!

2010-10-11T09:12:00.005-04:00

The government of Israel and a North American foundation are partnering on a literacy program for Israeli pre-schoolers.

Israel’s government will invest $500,000 to bring to Israel the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s PJ Library, which in the U.S. gives to more than 100,000 Jewish children free books with Jewish content.

The program has existed in Israel on a small scale, but the government’s boost will help the give free books each month to some 40,000 underserved children. Sifriyat Pijama, as it is known in Hebrew, will distribute books through Israel's schools.

The PJ Library was founded in 2005 in the model of Imagination Library, a program developed by Dolly Parton to increase literacy among financially disadvantaged youth. In North America, The PJ Library partners with Federations and Jewish Community Centers to primarily provide books to the homes of Jewish children without consideration of financial need. The idea of The PJ Library is to engage children and their families in the Jewish culture and traditions by providing books and CDs as gifts sent directly to their homes.

Sifriyat Pijama is different in that the books are being distributed through the schools and will go to children whose families have reduced or restricted financial means. The program in Israel combines the goals of The PJ Library and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

“It is exciting for us to see that the Israeli Ministry of Education finds the Sifriyat Pijama program worthy of such a large investment,” says Joanna S. Ballantine, executive director of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.

"Be the change you want to see!"

2010-10-04T09:19:00.003-04:00

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Lincoln County presents a 5K trail run and 1 mile walk starting at 8:00am on Saturday morning, October 23rd, 2010. The event will take place at Don Davidson Park in Fayetteville, Tennessee for different age groups.

Organized by Trails for Kids, a group that built 3 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails in 2009, this is an exciting fundraising event for all families in the area. Registration closes October 9th, and the first 150 pre-registered entrants are guaranteed a t-shirt.

Awards will be presented to the top three runners by gender and age groups. Fun run/walk participants will all receive a finisher’s ribbon.

For more information, contact Helen Fussell at 931-580-3081.

"Be the change you want to see!"

Power Of The Purse Luncheon, Auction Set

2010-10-01T12:14:00.000-04:00

Area women can indulge in their love of the handbag while helping raise money to provide books for preschoolers during the fifth annual Power of the Purse luncheon and auction next month.

Slated from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Holiday Inn City Center, 700 Rogers Ave., the event brings women from all over the area to chat, enjoy lunch and bid on an assortment of purses, according to Angie Ruth, director of finance and administration for the United Way of Fort Smith Area. More than 40 purses will be offered at a silent auction.

Proceeds benefit the UW's early literacy initiative, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which provides books for more than 1,660 children in the area, Ruth explained. Children from birth to 5 years old in Crawford, Franklin, Logan and Sebastian counties are mailed a hard-bound, age-appropriate book each month through the initiative. It costs an average of $30 per child to provide 12 books to them for a year, Ruth added.

Read full story here >>>

Imagination Library leaders at Oak Grove Elementary!

2010-09-27T09:01:00.004-04:00

Preschoolers were scheduled for a treat on Wednesday at Oak Grove Elementary School with leaders of the Marshall County Imagination Library after Gov. Phil Bredesen had proclaimed September 19-25 as Imagination Library Week.

While Gov. Bredesen read stories to Pre-K students at Crockett Elementary School in Brentwood, Marshall County Imagination Library spokeswoman Peggy Hubbard said she'd be doing the same thing at Oak Grove on Franklin Road.

"We are celebrating with the Pre-K classes at Oak Grove," Hubbard said. "We will donate some books and read while there."

Created in 1996 by Dolly Parton as a gift to children in her hometown, Sevierville, the Imagination Library mails a new, age-appropriate book every month to registered children, from birth until age five -- at no cost to the family. Supporters provide $24 annually for the purchase and delivery of 12 books to one child. That cost is split evenly between a non-profit sponsoring organization in every Tennessee county and a state budgetary allocation administered by the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation.

"Our local Marshall County Imagination Library began in 2005," Hubbard said. "We currently have about 1,000 children enrolled. That means 1,000 books go out each month to Marshall County children. A staggering 42,000 books have been delivered to our children in Marshall County since the program's inception."

Sponsored by Nissan, the state's participation -- with local sponsorships from individuals, their service clubs and businesses -- with the organization founded by Dolly Parton this week celebrates 215,000 children receiving free books and more than 10 million books delivered.

Bredesen said, "The program has changed lives by providing them with tools to create a lifetime of learning, developing their vocabulary and school readiness. Our goal is for every child not currently enrolled to have their own library of books so that they can join the thousands of others who are growing and benefiting from this program."

Modbee.com: Turlock children receive free books

2010-09-26T19:19:00.000-04:00

TURLOCK -- Gavin Garner is only 2½ years old, but when his book arrives each month, he eagerly picks out each letter of his name on the cover -- "G-A-V-I-N."

Gavin participates in the ABC Project, a free program that sends books to any Turlock resident younger than 5.

"If I got enough money, I'd love to open it up to any child in Stanislaus County," said director Susan Neufeld, an education professor at California State University, Stanislaus. As it is, money coming in from Arnold has her planning to expand the program into that area early next year.

Read full story here >>>

NWTN Today: Books open up a new world for Obion County’s youth

2010-09-23T12:29:00.000-04:00

Imagine a home where a child’s proudest possession — sometimes her only possession — is a book.

Dolly Parton could imagine it because her own Smoky Mountain childhood was marked by significant material deprivation.

Teachers and child care workers can imagine it because as they visit the homes of little ones, they too often encounter just such situations, even here in Obion County.

Dolly and her army of volunteers in the Imagination Library program she initiated in 1996 cannot provide for every need in a child’s life, but they know from experience they can open the door to a much wider world than some children would otherwise encounter. And for every child, regardless of income level or circumstance of birth, they can nudge that inborn desire to learn and try to nurture that special bond that develops between an adult who reads aloud and a child who hears the words, sees the pictures and snuggles in the arms that hold the book.

As Tennessee celebrates 2010 Imagination Library Week through Saturday, a variety of programs are planned.

Locally, mayors of each Obion County community were given the opportunity to sign special proclamations recognizing the importance of reading aloud to infants and preschoolers and the value of providing these children their own specially-selected books through Dolly’s Imagination Library program and its area affiliate, Obion County Reading Railroad. These proclamations are now on display at each city hall.

Read full story >>>

WSMV: Gov. Phil Bredesen & Kids Celebrate Imagination Library Week

2010-09-23T12:26:00.000-04:00

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Several students brought out the governor's creative side Wednesday. Pre-Kingergarten students at Crockett Elementary in Brentwood gave the governor a poster of their colorful handprints.

Gov. Phil Bredesen was at the school to celebrate the 2010 Imagination Library Week, which is Sept. 19-25. Dolly Parton created the program, which mails free books to children from birth to age 5, in 1996.

Six years ago, the governor created his Books From Birth Foundation to support Imagination Library. On Wednesday, he called that move a no-brainer.

"Kids are excited about getting the books in the mail," said Bredesen. "If there's some of them who it touches that might not have books in the home otherwise, perhaps it'll help them in school. But I love the program."

The governor said he especially loves that the program isn't based in Nashville but in the communities, which have stepped up and ensured its success.

More than 10 million free books have been delivered to kids through the program, which serves 215,000 children.

Read full story >>>

Children Walk Runway For Literacy

2010-09-23T10:03:00.000-04:00

Children will spend the weekend on the runway with their favorite story book characters to raise money to launch a Northwest Arkansas chapter of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

Watch video here: http://news.yahoo.com/video/fayetteville-khbs-18191180/children-walk-runway-for-literacy-21958190

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library enrolls 1,000th child

2010-09-23T09:54:00.001-04:00

Adrian Raines slept through the excitement of receiving special gifts recognizing his status
as the 1,000th Cocke County child enrolled in the Imagination Library program. Adrian,
son of Jimmy and Tara Raines, was born July 7, 2010. His big brother, Aiden Raines, born
February 21, 2008, was child number 999. With them, from left, are Dr. Rich Lloyd,
standing, chair of the Cocke County Education Foundation, Betty Jones, local Imagination
Library coordinator, and Michael and Anna Tuckner, grandparents of Adrian and Aiden.

Read full story >>>

463 Children enrolled in Blackford County!

2010-09-20T09:15:00.004-04:00

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been part of the Blackford County landscape since Kay Schrope started the program in 2006 through the Blackford Community Foundation and the United Way.

Schrope, a retired elementary teacher, saw the need for better reading skills in her young students. And she knew a love of reading had to be fostered before children began kindergarten. She also knew that many families did not have books to read to their children.

When she read about Dolly Parton’s program she saw it as a means of getting books into every child’s home in Blackford County, Indiana. She just knew the children would pester their parents to read the books to them.

Each child in the Dolly Parton program receives a free book each month. The books are carefully selected for the age of the child and mailed directly to the child’s home. The books are provided until the child reaches his or her 5th birthday.

Since the program began, 348 children have “graduated.” Presently there are 463 enrolled in the program. Every child in Blackford County from birth to age 5 is eligible.

Imagination Library Week is being celebrated in Lincoln County from Sept. 20-24.

2010-09-15T12:38:00.001-04:00

As part of the celebration, volunteers will be reading to all the pre-k students at Ralph Askins School this week.

In Lincoln County, there will be a celebration that 76.16 percent of pre-school children are receiving a book a month from the Imagination Library, said Teresa Brown of Imagination Library here.

“Books are being mailed to 1,438 children,” Brown said. “Over 70,000 books have been mailed to children since the program began. The ultimate goal is that all children starting school have had books in the home since birth.”

Parents can go to dollysimaginationlibrary.com to change their address if needed. There are also change of address and registration forms available at the Health Department and the Fayetteville-Lincoln County Public Library. The Health Department has registration forms in Spanish.
Parents can go online to www.governorsfoundation . org to register their children.

Read Full Story >>>

Imagination Library looks to expand in Alaska

2010-09-15T12:32:00.000-04:00

By Sarah Day

JUNEAU EMPIRE

The popular children's book program Imagination Library will be expanding.

Best Beginnings, part of the Alaska Department of Early Childhood Investment, is seeking applications for communities to either start a Dolly Parton Imagination Library or seeking funds to maintain an existing program.

Imagination Library mails a new, age-appropriate book every month to every child from infancy until they are 5 years old who signs up for the program in a participating community. The Dollywood Foundation manages the delivery system.

Best Beginnings says more than 10,000 Alaska children already participate through 18 Imagination Libraries that serve 48 communities, including Hoonah and Juneau.

Barbara Brown, with Best Beginnings, said they've already received some applications from areas that don't have Imagination Libraries, like Cordova and Fort Yukon.

Read full story >>>

TN.GOV: TN Governor Phil Bredesen Proclaims Imagination Library Week

2010-09-15T12:29:00.001-04:00

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen has officially proclaimed Imagination Library Week (sponsored by Nissan) in Tennessee September 19-25, 2010. During this week, local Imagination Library affiliates in all 95 counties are bringing awareness to the free book program and hoping to boost enrollment across the state.

This year’s events are celebrating the 215,000 Tennessee children under the age of five who currently receive one free high quality age, appropriate book delivered to their home each month, and the fact that more than 10 million free books have been delivered to Tennessee children across the state since 2004.

“I encourage every Tennessee family with children under the age of five to enroll their children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library during Imagination Library week,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “During the past six years, this program has reached thousands of children and changed lives by providing them with tools to create a lifetime of learning, developing their vocabulary and school readiness. Our goal is for every child not currently enrolled to have their own library of books so that they can join the thousands of others who are growing and benefiting from this program.”

Read Full Story >>>

600,000 children receiving books!

2010-09-13T09:03:00.004-04:00

Thanks to all new registrations Dolly Parton's Imagination Library officially exceeded 600,000 books per month!

Some areas are funded by the state, some are funded by other non-profit organizations like Reading Railroad or the United Way and some areas are funded by families.

Areas as small as your home and the other mailboxes on your street can be funded by individuals just like you. Even if one grandmother, father or other family member can only afford to provide to 20 or 30 children, that amounts to 20 or 30 more than were receiving the benefits before their efforts began.

If the program is not yet available in your area, perhaps with your help, and with the help of more members within your community, those collective efforts can bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library books to the hands of your children!

Visit www.imaginationlibrary.com today to learn more!

Imagination Library benefits from UT ticket giveaway

2010-09-11T12:25:00.000-04:00

The Cumberland County Imagination Library received a financial boost thanks to the Crossville Chronicle’s UT football ticket giveaway promotion and the generosity of the winner.

Howard Hickerson, a member of the Cumberland County Imagination Library advisory board, was the winner of two season tickets to the 2010 University of Tennessee Volunteers football games. He registered for the Chronicle promotion at Ace Hardware on Peavine Road. Realizing the value of the tickets, he decided to sell the tickets and donate the funds to the Imagination Library, which serves 1,720 Cumberland County youth through the Governor’s Books From Birth Foundation.

Full Story Here >>>

Imagination Library Fundraiser | Knox County Public Library

2010-09-11T12:17:00.003-04:00

Cool new video promo from Knox County Public Library for their program!

Webinar Replay

2010-09-10T13:47:00.000-04:00

For those of you who missed today's webinar, you can replay it here:

10 Million Books To Tennessee

2010-09-08T12:17:00.000-04:00

The Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation (GBBF) and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library are celebrating a significant milestone: more than 10 million free books have been delivered to Tennessee children in all 95 counties since the program began in 2004, developing their vocabulary, school readiness and a love of learning.

Currently, more than 214,000 Tennessee children under the age of five (57 percent) in all 95 counties are receiving an age appropriate, high quality book delivered each month to their home. More than 170,000 children have graduated from the program since 2004.
Locally, the Friends of the Library is the sponsor for the free monthly books from birth to age 5, with around 40% of the county’s eligible children enrolled. There are 437 children receiving the books and 418 have graduated after reaching age 5. The local program began in March 2005. To enroll a Polk County child, contact Jan Lycans at 496-1267 or Jenny Rogers at 338-7669, or register online at www.governorsfoundation.org.
The milestone comes on the heels of the announcement that Tennessee is one of just two states awarded funding in the first round of President Obama’s Race to the Top competition, recognizing our state’s forward thinking in education reform and changing the way the nation views Tennessee’s commitment to education. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a part of that commitment, giving all Tennessee children access to free books and encouraging a lifetime of learning.

Read Full Story >>>

Junior League Of London

2010-09-08T12:15:00.000-04:00

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has released the fantastic news that they have now mailed out their 25 millionth book! JLL is proud to be associated with this programme. Read below for the personal letter Dolly sent out to supporters of the programme and for the news article related to the lucky recipient of the 25 millionth book!

Read Full Story >>>

The Daytona Beach News Journal

2010-09-08T12:14:00.000-04:00

If reading is fundamental, September is the time to get busy.
In celebration of Literacy Month, several events are set for this weekend.
On Saturday, a butterfly tales program will be at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
The program begins at 9:30 a.m. at the park, 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite books about butterflies to share. After story time with the park ranger, children will have the opportunity to view butterflies and play games, according to a news release from the park.

Entrance fees into all Florida state parks will be waived Friday through Sunday with a library card or the donation of a new or gently used family book, the release said.

Read Full Story >>>

Affiliate Only - Webinar

2010-09-07T14:03:00.004-04:00

This webinar is for BOS Affiliates Only

Celina Imagination Library

2010-09-07T09:23:00.000-04:00

Saturday, November 13, 2010 is the date for the inaugural Celina Imaginary Library Turkey trot 5K and 1K event. Proceeds of the races benefit the Celina City Schools' affiliate of 'Dolly Parton's Imaginary Library' which promotes reading for elementary school kids by providing books.

Read more >>>

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Upper Tanana, Alaska!

2010-08-30T09:16:00.004-04:00

More and more affiliates of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library are coming onboard with their new "Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Websites."

The Upper Tanana Imagination Library is a literacy program run through the Dollywood Foundation and Best Beginnings in Alaska to provide a free, age-appropriate book each month to children in their community who are under 5 years of age. 

This program serves families in Tok, Tanacross, Tetlin, Mentasta, Eagle and Northway.

With their own website, this affiliate can describe upcoming events and promote awareness to a much larger online audience. The Upper Tanana Imagination Library TETLIN EVENT, announces activities for families including balloons, face painting, snacks and more.

This is a wonderful opportunity to reach a wider range of parents and guardians who may also wish to enroll children or perhaps donate to the program.

Dollymania.net: Dolly Accepts TPAC Award

2010-08-30T09:04:00.000-04:00

Dolly had some fun in Music City Saturday night, hob-nobbing with Nashville's arts patrons at the Fest De Ville event at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, where the evening was themed “5 To 9” and saw them honor her with the TPAC's Applause Award. The cocktail hour featured two female and two male Dolly impersonators, ending with one of them singing “9 To 5,” at which time Dolly surprised the crowd by coming on stage to join (and since her entrance wasn't announced, many didn't realize it was really her).

Dinner followed, after which they presented her with the award, which was given in recognition of her work as an entertainer and her impact on education through her philanthropic work of the Imagination Library, her early childhood literacy project, which provides one free, age-appropriate, expert-selected book every month to every child from birth to age 5 whose parents register in a participating community, active in more than 1,200 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Great Britain and distributing more than 7 million books a year.

Read more here >>>

News and Tribune: Imagination Library in Floyd County hopes to have 3,000 kids

2010-08-27T12:24:00.000-04:00

FLOYD COUNTY — One year ago, the international Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program took root in Floyd County, providing a free, book each month via mail to every child younger than 5 who signed up.
Now, just 12 months later, the program grew from an initial enrollment of 1,649 to 2,797, which is higher than the five-year goal mark, said Becky King, Community Alliance to Promote Education director, which oversees the local program.
“It feels wonderful to be where we are right now,” King said. “Now, we’re pushing for a short term goal of 3,000 by the end of August. It just sounds like such a nice, round number.”
With that goal in mind, CAPE is hosting a birthday party for the program, inviting all of the public to come out for crafts, games and presents, which are, of course, free books. The party is tomorrow from 10 a.m. to noon in the children’s department at the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library. Parents will also have a chance to sign up their children who are younger than 5 to receive free books. The only requirement, in addition, to age is that the child live in Floyd County.
King said it’s important to make sure all children who are eligible are signed up.
“We know that reading begins long before school and the more children are able to enjoy books and read with their families at home the more likely they are to become successful readers and to love books, which is just as important,” she said.

Read Full Story >>>

syracuse.com: Syracuse book-a-month program catches on fast with North Side families

2010-08-26T13:22:00.000-04:00

In May, the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County launched an ambitious program to mail a free book a month to every child from birth to 5 years old who lives in two targeted neighborhoods around Franklin and Dr. Weeks elementary schools.

The short-term goal was to sign up 500 children in the first year. As of Monday, the number was 507 and growing. That’s great, says coalition Executive Director Virginia Carmody.

Amy Porter / Clear Channels

“But because our numbers are way ahead, we definitely need more money,” she said.

The intent of Imagination Library is for families to use books together, which builds the early literacy skills children need to succeed. Syracuse school district data show that half the children in the target area, and 51 percent citywide, lack early literacy skills.

Read Full Story Here >>>

The Green River Star: United Way plans golf tourney and fun run

2010-08-26T13:16:00.000-04:00

The United Way of Southwest Wyoming’s 4th Annual Golf Tournament and 1st Running for Reading 5K Fun Run and Walk are looking for participants. The events will benefit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Southwest Wyoming.

“These events are a fun way to raise money to help start a wonderful and much needed program in southwest Wyoming,” Kelly Frink, director of marketing and communications at United Way, said.

The golf tournament, set for Sept. 12, will take place at Rolling Green Country Club in Green River. The shot gun start will begin at 9 a.m. with check-in opening at 8 a.m.

The entry fee is $100 per player and includes green fees, cart, breakfast, lunch and player gifts. First, second and third places will be awarded and contests will be held for closest to the hole, farthest putt and men’s and women’s longest drive. Players can purchase mulligans and tickets for the 50/50 raffle. Current-hole sponsors of the event are Erwin Consulting and Mandros Painting.

The First Annual Running for Reading 5K is a fun run/walk that will take place Oct. 2. It will begin at 10 a.m. and will start and finish in the parking lot of the Young at Heart Senior Center, located at 2400 Regan Ave. in Rock Springs. Registration fee includes race fee, brunch, t-shirt, door prize ticket and gift bag. Registration and check in the day of the event will begin at 8:30 am.
Children 5 to 12 years old can participate in the kids run that will begin at 11:30 a.m. To participate each child must be registered and every child will receive a participation award.
Early bird registration fees are: couples/running buddies, $40; adults, $25; 13-18 years old and senior citizens, $20; children 12 years old and under are free. Early bird registration fees are good until Sept. 10.
There is a special challenge to students of southwest Wyoming high schools. The high school with the highest percentage of student participation will receive a cash reward. Total amount of reward is dependent upon 5K sponsorships.

Read Full Article Here >>>

Funds sought for Imagination Library: By Leonard K. Stark

2010-08-24T13:07:00.000-04:00

The Cumberland County Imagination Library has announced a program to solicit funds from community residents to financially assist in providing books to all children from birth through five years of age.

The state of Tennessee provides a matching grant for supporting the program. The current budget is $24,000, of which $12,000 must be raised by the community (by state mandate).

In 1966 the Dolly Parton Foundation funded an Imagination Library for children in her native Sevier County, Tennessee. The reading program for children — from birth through age five — proved to be a valuable tool in promoting literacy. Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen was so impressed with the results of the program that in 2000 he created a Governor’s “Books from Birth Foundation” in every county in the state. All 95 counties in the state are participating. Cumberland County ranks next to the bottom for literacy in Tennessee.
Local businesses, organizations and private persons have contributed funds for the program to date, including Wal-Mart, United Fund of Cumberland County, Fairfield Glade Rotary Club, Lake Tansi Exchange Club, and Friends of the Library.

In these stressful economic times, some of their sources have had to diminish their giving. This means they need the community to help in meeting their goal so that every child may be included in this most important program.
Literacy creates a stable family through gainful employment. A literate work force can attract more industries and without such a work force our local economies can be penalized. Those persons unable to be gainfully employed pay little or no taxes. This shifts a greater burden to others. They often require unemployment or welfare benefits.

Children’s Literacy Initiative says 85% of juveniles who appear in court and 75% of unemployed adults are illiterate.

Of the 2566 eligible candidates in Cumberland County, 1720 or (64%) of the children are currently in the program at a cost of approximately $30 a year, per child. For the betterment of the community, more children need to be enrolled.

Read Full Story Here >>>

dnj.com reports: Nissan gives half a million dollars towards childhood literacy

2010-08-24T12:55:00.000-04:00

Follow Dolly Parton's Imagination Library on Facebook

Thousands of Middle Tennessee parents and children are thanking Nissan North America for contributing a total of $505,000 to the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation over the past five years, a news release announced.

The funds are being used to provide one free, high-quality, age appropriate book per month to children under the age of five enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford and Franklin counties.

These books help to develop the childrens’ vocabulary, a love of learning and school readiness.

The generous contributions are part of Nissan’s commitment to invest in communities where its employees live and work. The most recent donation of $100,000 was divided among Imagination Library affiliate programs in four counties. A donation of $50,000 was given to Books from Birth of Middle Tennessee with $35,700 to Davidson County and $14,300 to Williamson County. Rutherford County Books from Birth received $35,700, and Franklin County Raise a Reader program received $14,300.

"Nissan's dedication and partnership through the years has benefited thousands of Tennessee children, and this contribution to the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation means children who might not otherwise have access to books in their home will now receive a library of 60 books before entering kindergarten," said Governor Phil Bredesen. "It's sponsors like Nissan that are making a difference in the lives of our children, and we will see that commitment pay dividends in the future."

Read Full Story >>>

Center Point boy gets Dolly Parton's Imagination Library's 25 millionth book!

2010-08-23T09:09:00.006-04:00

Last month, Kumar Stewart, out of thousands and thousands of children, was presented the 25 millionth book from the worldwide program. His family was told to pack their bags and head to Dollywood in Tennessee.

Dolly Parton wanted to meet Kumar.

"It was beautiful," mother Shalisha Stewart said of the park and her family's experience. "She sang Kumar a song, 'Celebrate the Dreamer in You.' She wrote it for him. He was like, 'She wrote me a song?' And I told him that he was the hero of the day."

The Junior League of Birmingham is the sponsor for the Imagination Library in Jefferson County. Members honored Kumar and his family with a reception.

25 millionth book from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

"The impact that this program has on school readiness for the children of our community and across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom is immeasurable," said Liz Edwards, President of Junior League in Birmingham.

Read the full story here:
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2010/07/center_point_boy_gets_dolly_pa.html

Flagler County Imagination Library Launch - September 1, 2010

2010-08-21T17:47:00.000-04:00

Flagler County Imagination Library Launch
Date and Time: 09-01-2010 5:30PM

Please join the fine folks at Flagler County Imagination Library for milk & cookies, while networking and reminiscing about your favorite book growing up as they officially launch Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Location: Flagler County Public Library, Palm Coast, FL
Time: 5:30pm
Contact: Heather Edwards, Flagler County Chamber of Commerce

Phone: 386-437-0106
Email: heather@flaglerchamber.org
RSVP: August 18, 2010
Address: 2500 Palm Coast Parkway Northwest, Palm Coast, FL 32137

View Larger Map

*Event Parking at Kohl’s

Waldron/St.Paul Dolly Parton Imagination Library Motorcycle Charity Ride

2010-08-20T12:19:00.001-04:00

Waldron/St.Paul Dolly Parton Imagination Library Motorcycle Charity Ride

Ride will leave Waldron High School and go to Versailles, Vevay, Aurora, Batesville with stops at each. A return trip cookout will be provided when returning to Waldron High School. Money will be used to purchase books through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Foundation for children ages birth to 5.

Get more info here >>>

Fayette County Imagination Library: Fish Fry Fundraiser

2010-08-18T12:20:00.000-04:00

Fayette County Imagination Library

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will celebrate its seventh year with a fish fry fundraiser and art auction at 6 p.m. on Sept. 25 at Mike and Jan Jaeger’s barn at 392 Arena Drive in Moscow. Tickets are $30.

The live auction will consist of pieces of art by local artists. There will also be sign-ups for a Wild Game Dinner and Wild Wolf River Canoe Trip guided by David Smith. These two events will be scheduled at a later date.

Read full story here >>>

Click here to visit the Official Fayette County Imagination Library Website

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library on NBC Nightly News

2010-08-17T16:11:00.000-04:00

Imagination Library on NBC Nightly News

This just in… we have been told that on Thursday evening, August 19th there will be a story about the Imagination Library on the NBC Nightly news with Brian Williams.

The story will focus on the 25,000,000th book.

...However, remember this is television news so all of this could change in a heartbeat but keep your fingers crossed that the segment will air. If we hear anything else, you will be the first to know!

David Dotson
President
The Dollywood Foundation

The Star - Helping spread the word

2010-08-16T12:54:00.000-04:00

FAMILIES in key Rotherham suburbs are failing to take advantage of a free book scheme for under fives - and work has begun to make sure that no youngster misses out.

The Imagination Library scheme was launched by country singing legend Dolly Parton nearly three years ago and since then more than 100,000 books have been given to children in the town.
But research by the council has shown that fewer youngsters i

ADVERTISEMENTn suburbs such as Eastwood, Dinnington and Swinton are receiving books - with only 70 per cent signed up in Eastwood.

Jammil Shah and his mother Margul from Eastwood were invited to their local library to join the service, which will see the two-year-old receive a free book every month until he is five.
The scheme is designed to give children a love of books and reading before they go to school.

Mrs Shah heard about the Imagination Library from staff at the Coleridge Children's Centre, where she works as a volunteer.
Alison Lilburn, project manager for the library, said: "It is really important for us to get the message out to parents across Rotherham and particularly in areas such as Eastwood, that their children are entitled to receive these free books.

"The scheme was launched two years ago by Rotherham Council and is designed to give young children access to books from an early age, as part of a range of provision to help develop their communication, language and literacy skills and improve their life chances."

All books are supplied in English, but Alison said: "Even if the parent's first language is not English, the books are very pictorial and provide a great opportunity for interaction between child and adult."

Full story here >>>

Dolly's donation of the Backwoods Barbie-Q II raised $90,000.00 for the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation!

2010-08-16T09:43:00.003-04:00

“I never in my wildest dreams imagined anybody paying $75,000 to eat supper with me,” Parton said.

“Due to the generosity of some real fine folks, we raised a lot of money for the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation, which is very near and dear to my heart. So I’m offering up my Backwoods Barbie-Q II this year with hopes that we can raise a lot more money to help improve healthcare in Sevier County.”

For the Backwoods Barbie-Q II live auction item, the winning bidder and a guest will arrive at 5 p.m. at Parton’s Tennessee Mountain Home, her Sevierville home which was immortalized in the song of the same title. That evening, the winner can invite an additional 10 guests for a private tour of Parton’s residence followed by a barbeque on the grounds with bluegrass entertainment, all hosted by Parton. The winner and a guest will spend the night in Parton’s guest cottage, located next door to the Tennessee Mountain Home. At 9 a.m. the following morning, Parton will prepare and serve a country-style breakfast to the winner and a guest.

It is only the second time in history that Parton has offered such access to her private residence.

“Dolly absolutely wowed last year’s winning bidders with a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience at her Tennessee Mountain Home,” said Deborah Dowling, Executive Director of The Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation.

“Dolly exceeded everyone’s expectation, as she always does, so we know going into this year’s auction that the Backwoods Barbie-Q II is a rare and much anticipated event that will be highly sought after at our Evening of Elegance event.”

Tabitha Hall and Sabrina Taylor, last year’s winning bidders, agree that the Backwoods Barbie-Q was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event.

“It was beyond incredible,” Hall said. “To see Dolly’s Tennessee Mountain Home through her eyes was beyond my expectations.”

Taylor added, “We pushed our plates back, sat on the lawn and swapped stories with one of the best storytellers in the world. The Backwoods Barbie-Q was a moment in time that we’ll never forget!”

UK Imagination Library - Additional Coverage

2010-08-15T12:59:00.000-04:00

The Dolly Parton’s UK Imagination Library has reached a major milestone having now delivered over 200,000 books to under-5s across the United Kingdom (UK).
In addition to celebrating this milestone the scheme has also reached another landmark in extending its relationship with its first major sponsor from the private sector.
Wates Giving, the charitable program run by the Wates Family, owners of the Wates Group, is funding the Imagination Library to deliver books to under-5s in Reading and Luton. This venture forms part of the Wates Group and Wates Giving’s commitment to support literacy in communities. Around 2,000 books are set to be delivered to babies born in Luton from 1st January 2010 in the first year alone, and this figure is expected to grow to a mammoth half a million books over the next five years.
Tim Wates, Chairman, Wates Family Holdings said: “We are delighted to sponsor The Imagination Library. Through Wates Giving we are active supporters of education programs like this which aim to inspire children and help them to achieve their potential.”

Read full story here >>>>

Imagination Library donation

2010-08-15T12:53:00.000-04:00

Debra Helbert (right), human resources manager for Dickenson-Russell Coal Corp., a subsidiary of Alpha Natural Resources, was recently at the Johnnie B Deel Library to present a $1,000 check to the Dickenson County Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program. Receiving the check is project coordinator Phyllis Deel. Longs Fork Elementary School serves as fiscal agent for the program. Deel noted, 'It's corporations and organizations like this that have made it possible for up to 65 percent of this counties’ children, birth—five years of age, to receive free books for the past four years."

Read more:Coalfield.com - Imagination Library donation

The Mountain Times - Imagination Ashe Readers Take Next Step in Literary Life

2010-08-14T16:42:00.000-04:00

Story by Ron Fitzwater

It was all smiles and laughter as the old veterans from Imagination Ashe, the Ashe County branch of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program, formally left the program and took the next step into their literary lives.

The veterans, who are aging out of the program at the tender age of five, were entertained, awarded, snacked and then sent to get their very first library card.

Kathy Chefas welcomed the children and their families and briefly spoke of the program, which just recently received their non-profit status and achieved independence.

The children were then amazed and astounded by the magic and humor of Bo-Bo the Clown and his assistant Bo-Bo-ette.

Peggy Bailey, Ashe Library Youth Services Librarian, told the young readers about all of the types of books, tapes and DVDs they could check out with their new library cards.

The children then received medals of achievement for successfully completing the program that has helped hundreds of area children fall in love with reading.

Next came the snacks; cup cakes made special for the occasion and a little time to visit with Bo-Bo and the volunteers who were on hand to support the children.

In 1996, Dolly Parton launched an exciting new .....read full story here:
The Mountain Times - Imagination Ashe Readers Take Next Step in Literary Life

Reading Program grows in North Dakota!

2010-08-09T09:09:00.004-04:00

As of Wednesday, August 4th, 399 children in Wlliston, North Dakota were signed up to receive free books through the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program.

This is more than Mike Heen, program coordinator, thought would sign up; he had a goal of getting 250 children signed up for Imagination Library. Williston Public School District 1 has raised $6,300 for the program, which is enough money to keep it going at least until next spring, Heen said.

Heen met with District 1 staff earlier this year to get the program started for his Leadership Williston project. Deb Roel, parent involvement coordinator for the school district, is the contact person for the program. Roel said she's received a call from a parent in Fargo who is moving to Williston and wondered how her child could continue receiving books.

Started in 1996 by the country music singer and actress, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library was created to encourage reading at an early age for a successful education. Each month, a new, carefully-selected book is mailed to the child until he or she turns 5 years old. The program is free and can start when the child is born.

Dolly Parton presented the reading program's 25 millionth book to a 4-year-old in Birmingham, Alabama in June.

"Dream More! Learn More! Care More! Be More!"

Flagler Palm Coast Poster Contest!

2010-08-02T09:06:00.004-04:00

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is now in Flagler County, Florida!

September 1st, 2010, the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia will partner with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to begin this free program. The goal is to provide free books to children in Flagler County from birth to five years of age. This is a collaborative effort between many community champions. As research shows, there is a strong correlation between the number of books in the home and children's literacy skills and academic success.

The Children's Department at the Flagler County Public Library is holding a poster contest to promote awareness of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Flagler County. Families may participate by submitting a 22" x 28" poster depicting the topic of reading to young children. Any art medium may be used. Winners will be announced on August 24, 2010. (Sponsored by the Friends of the Library)

For more information about the program, please visit: www.flaglerimaginationlibrary.org

Homecoming in June, 2011!

2010-07-26T09:04:00.004-04:00

Every two years the international Imagination Library family convenes near The Dollywood Foundation in Tennessee to share ideas and celebrate our successes. Affiliates from The United Kingdom, Canada, and The United States will gather as the meeting will commence on June 14, 2011 and conclude on June 17, 2011.

As in the past, the agenda will focus on the topics which will help organizations launch, grow and sustain their Imagination Library program. Currently there are almost 1,300 communities in these three countries providing books to just under 600,000 children each month.

Homecoming 2011 is way more fun than your average run of the mill national conference. Literary experts will lead sessions which will inform and inspire. In 2009, Anna Dewdney (author of "Llama, Llama Red Pajama") was a big hit so the search is on to secure another author who can entertain, educate… and sign their cool books!

Imagination Library President David Dotson on IRA Radio!

2010-07-19T09:19:00.003-04:00

Click on the link below to hear this 15 minute interview hosted by International Reading Association’s Executive Director Bill Harvey.

http://www.reading.org/Resources/Radio.aspx

IRA Reading Radio airs monthly on the BAM! Radio Network, a radio website for the education community. In each installment, IRA Executive Director William Harvey interviews an expert on a key topic relating to reading education.

In this show, David Dotson speaks about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library's growth over the years and how the program is expanding to promote literacy in the 21st Century.

Tune in to "Dream More! Learn More! Care More! Be More!"

Imagination Library websites for Affiliates!

2010-07-12T09:03:00.006-04:00

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a non-profit organization currently in the USA, Canada and United Kingdom that promotes early childhood literacy by providing age appropriate books to children from birth to age 5. Each Affiliate has their own opportunity to share the specific information about their program with the community by creating their own website.

This is a valuable resource for each Affiliate to announce details about their program including a mission statement and child registration, while creating an online presence in just a few simple steps. There is also an easy to follow user's guide available to all Affiliates when making updates to the site's information, or adding photos from recent promotional events.

A virtual shopping cart is available where Affiliates can sell Imagination Library merchandise such as apparel, hats, tote bags and train-themed bookends to interested visitors on the site. A Donations page is also included, where people can make general contributions to the program or support the program in a specific area. With links to Facebook and Twitter in place, your program's library news and upcoming fundraisers can be shared with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library community in an instant!

An example of a Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Website can be viewed here: www.seviercountyimaginationlibrary.com

Dollywood Celebrates 25 years!

2010-07-05T08:58:00.004-04:00

Dolly Parton and other well known entertainers celebrated 25 years of Dollywood on the Hallmark Channel this weekend. The show featuring Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus and Kenny Rogers premiered Saturday July 3rd.

The one-hour special, featured Grammy® winner and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Dolly Parton in a musical tribute previously taped at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
The show featured some of the brightest stars in country music and included tributes for Dolly and Dollywood from a few of her friends - Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney and others.

In two days, Dolly Parton and friends recorded the program, which is packed with musical numbers, views of the theme park and chitchat between the stars. Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney, who both worked at the theme park in their earlier days, pass along their best to Parton during the special.

"A few years back, we knew we wanted to do a TV special about the 25th anniversary, and we knew we wanted to get people who had performed here at Dollywood over those 25 years," Parton said during a break in the taping.

Later, in front of the audience, Parton took notice of Miley's shopping spree at Dollywood. "I'll give you a discount on that since you're a guest," Parton said. "On second thought, you should pay full price. You can afford it."

Dollywood is a 150 acre family adventure park in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Its mountain themed attractions, world class rides and award winning festivals shows make Dollywood one of the top themed entertainment destinations in the United States.

Happy 25th Anniversary!

Dolly's recent appearance at Rotary International convention in Montreal!

2010-06-28T09:10:00.004-04:00

Country music legend Dolly Parton and Boys Scouts of America Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca inspired Rotarians at the fourth plenary session on June 23rd to keep serving their communities and underscored the common bond their organizations share with Rotary, in philosophy and in practice.

After greeting the audience by singing her hit song "9 to 5," Parton recited The Four-Way Test, saying she also sought a "short, simple, and powerful" statement to guide the Dollywood Foundation: "Dream more, learn more, care more, be more!"

The philanthropist and literacy advocate went on to explain her foundation’s Imagination Library , which promotes reading among preschool children by providing them with a free book each month from birth until age five. The program, which has received support from more than 115 Rotary clubs, has grown from its base in Parton’s home state of Tennessee, USA, to other communities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Parton said she was inspired by her father, who was illiterate but "one of the smartest people" she knew. "He knew it was a crippling thing not to be able to read and to write, so he was proud when people would call me the 'book lady.' And he lived long enough to see my dream come true with the Imagination Library. He was with me all the way."

Rotary Foundation Trustee Vice Chair John F. Germ, also from Tennessee, joined Parton on stage to present her with Paul Harris Fellow Recognition. "This is a wonderful friendship, us working together, and I hope to continue doing my part," Parton said. "Thank you for accepting me and believing in the program."