Imagination Library comes to town

Listening to Jolene while working a 9-5 might be where your mind goes when you think of Dolly, but mine goes straight to books.

In December 2021, The Times received a press release from the United Way of the Blue (UWBM) Mountains, announcing that the Dolly Parton Imagination Library would be making its way to the children in the UWBM coverage area.

Since I am a reporter with a young child, I volunteered to sign Gracie up for the upcoming Imagination Library program. I had forgotten about it until this February when I opened my mailbox and found a copy of "The Little Engine That Could" tucked inside. Gracie is used to getting stuff in the mail through her Highlights and Ranger Rick subscriptions, but I had never seen her light up quite like she did when there was a new book waiting for her.

In 1995, Dolly Parton launched her Imagination Library to benefit the children in her home county in East Tennessee. She was on a mission to foster a love of reading in the county's preschool-age population. Imagination Library began by sending a free book to kids and their families each month.

In less than 30 years, the Imagination Library has grown to include the rest of the US, Canada, Ireland, and the UK. More than 2 million kids have been registered since 1995, and nearly 180 million books have been given away. In 2010, the Imagination library expanded and added audio and braille books. Thanks to a partnership with the UWBM, the Library is here to serve the kids of Walla Walla and Columbia counties.

The Imagination Library is open to kids up to five years old, regardless of their family's income. A lucky child who is signed up from birth will collect at least 60 age-appropriate stories, many of which are educational.

So far, Gracie has received "The Little Engine That Could" by Watty Piper, "Old Rock Is Not Boring" by Debbie Pilutti, and "Drop: An Adventure Through the Water Cycle" by Emily Kate Moon. The first book was a classic tale that reminds readers not to give up, while the last two have been fun ways to talk about time and science.

"Old Rock is my favorite," Gracie said, "because I really like rocks. I want a collection."

Of the stories we have gotten so far, I agree with Gracie. "Old Rock Isn't Boring" has been my favorite, too.

"When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor, an inventor, or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books, and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world," the Imagination Library website says, quoting Dolly herself.

If you haven't already, give your kiddo the gift of reading with the Imagination Library. Visit http://www.imaginationlibrary.com to check availability in your area and to sign up!