Dolly Parton’s beloved free-book program is getting a major expansion after her death

Nearly a month after country icon Dolly Parton passed away, her legacy continues to expand in a new and significant way. Though she was best known for her philanthropy, her impact is far-reaching. In 1988, Parton created the Dollywood Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to education, and in 1995, launched the Imagination Library – a program that provided a free book every month to children under the age of five.

Since its inception, the Imagination Library has distributed over 330 million books to more than 3 million children globally. Starting as a regional effort in Parton's home community of Sevier County, Tennessee, the program has grown to serve all 50 U.S. states and international locations, including Canada, Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

Now, in the U.K., London is doubling the size of its Imagination Library program in honor of Parton's memory. This latest expansion will serve an additional 157,000 children by adding 10 boroughs to the existing five it previously reached. Dolly Parton's former vice president, Jeff Conyers, expressed he would have been "incredibly proud" to witness the program reach this milestone after her passing.

He emphasized Dolly's enduring vision for the Imagination Library to thrive for generations. The Imagination Library works by partnering with local organizations, and the new London expansion is sponsored by the Postcode Lottery, a U.K.-based charity lottery. Clara Govier, the managing director of the Postcode Lottery, highlighted Parton's understanding of the simple yet powerful impact of a child, an adult, and a book coming together.

Recent data underscores the critical importance of the Imagination Library's work. U.S. literacy rates for eighth and fourth graders have reached alarming lows, with 33% of eighth graders and 40% of fourth graders performing below basic reading levels. Similar concerns exist in the U.K., as teachers reported that one-third of preschool-age students struggle with using books, tapping or swiping pages as if they were touchscreen devices.

To combat this issue, the Imagination Library is focusing on fostering a love for reading among children. According to the program's research, participating families have reported increased interest in reading and higher literary skills among children who receive monthly books compared to their peers who don't enroll in the program.